Jury finds Austin Police officer Christopher Taylor guilty on deadly conduct charge in 2019 shooting

AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- A Travis County jury has found Austin Police officer Christopher Taylor guilty of deadly conduct in the 2019 deadly shooting of Mauris DeSilva.

Taylor fatally shot the 46-year old DeSilva as part of a police response on July 31, 2019, when DeSilva was threatening himself and others with a knife at the Spring Condominiums in downtown Austin.

Three other officers besides Taylor were involved in the confrontation with DeSilva; Taylor and another officer, Karl Krycia, shot DeSilva. A third officer, Joseph Cast, fired his Taser.

Saturday's jury verdict comes after more than three days of deliberations in the case, with jurors deliberating since Wednesday afternoon.

“We hope this outcome continues to help the DeSilva family with their healing process,” Travis County District Attorney José Garza said in a statement. “Our office is grateful to our dedicated staff who worked tirelessly to hold the defendant accountable and seek justice for the victim and their family. We further hope this verdict allows the community to heal and that we can move forward together.”

Under the deadly conduct charge, which is a third-degree felony, Taylor is potentially facing a prison sentence of two to 10 years; the charge can also include a fine of up to $10,000. Probation can be an option as well. Judge Dayna Blazey will ultimately determine the sentence, based on a request from Taylor's defense attorneys prior to the trial.

The sentencing phase for Taylor will begin on October 15.

Last year, Taylor stood trial on a murder charge in another use of force case involving the death of Michael Ramos. That process has been stalled after two mistrials last year. Taylor also previously faced a murder charge in the DeSilva case, but that charge was dropped prior to the trial getting underway. Krycia still faces a murder charge in the DeSilva case.