A former Austin police officer, once sentenced to prison for a fatal shooting during a mental health crisis call, has seen a dramatic reversal of fortune.

According to a Fox News report, Christopher Taylor, previously convicted of deadly conduct in connection with the 2019 death of Mauris DeSilva, has been acquitted by Texas’ 7th Court of Appeals. The court overturned his two-year prison sentence, ruling that the use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances.

Taylor, who had initially been charged with murder, was found guilty by a jury of deadly conduct with a firearm after pleading not guilty and asserting self-defense. The incident unfolded when Taylor and fellow officers responded to a 911 call involving DeSilva, who was experiencing a mental health crisis. The appeals court’s decision marks a significant turn in a case that has drawn intense scrutiny over the prosecution of law enforcement officers.

Court Ruling Shifts Narrative

The 7th Court of Appeals determined that Taylor’s actions were reasonable given the immediate threat posed during the 2019 incident. The court’s opinion highlighted that when an elevator door opened to reveal DeSilva holding a knife and advancing toward officers, deadly force could be deemed necessary to prevent imminent harm. This ruling directly contradicted the original jury’s finding.

Bodycam footage reviewed by the court showed DeSilva facing a hallway mirror with a knife at his throat before turning and approaching the officers. Despite multiple commands to drop the weapon and show his hands, DeSilva lowered the knife to his side but continued moving forward. At that moment, Taylor fired five shots, another officer fired twice, and a third deployed a taser, resulting in DeSilva’s death at the scene.

The court emphasized that the chaotic nature of the encounter, with multiple officers shouting orders without a designated lead, contributed to the split-second decisions made. The ruling noted that the record and governing law compelled a conclusion opposite to the jury’s, leading to Taylor’s acquittal. This decision has reignited debates over police use of force and accountability.

Criticism of DA José Garza Intensifies

Travis County District Attorney José Garza, who prosecuted Taylor, has faced sharp criticism from law enforcement advocates over this case. Garza, backed by significant funding from George Soros during his 2020 campaign, has been accused of targeting police officers with politically motivated prosecutions. Law enforcement members in Austin have described Taylor’s initial conviction as a malicious attack on their community.

Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock welcomed the appeals court’s decision, stating it exposed Garza’s manipulation of the justice system. Bullock accused the DA of repeatedly trying cases against Taylor until the jury pool was biased, preventing a fair trial. He urged Garza to drop all remaining charges against Austin officers linked to what he called political attacks.

Bullock further emphasized the need for officers to perform their duties without fear of unfounded prosecutions. He insisted that the court’s ruling should end what he described as madness and restore common sense. The union leader’s comments reflect broader tensions between law enforcement and progressive prosecutors in Travis County.

Defense Celebrates Legal Victory

Taylor’s trial attorney, Doug O’Connell, expressed profound relief at the appeals court’s decision to overturn the conviction. He argued that Taylor should never have been prosecuted for defending himself and his fellow officers against a clear threat. O’Connell described the use of force as both legal and authorized under the circumstances of the encounter.

The attorney’s statement underscored the challenges officers face in high-stress, life-threatening situations. He praised the court for recognizing the context in which Taylor acted, ultimately entering a judgment of acquittal. This legal victory has been seen as a vindication for Taylor after years of scrutiny and imprisonment.

The broader implications of this ruling could influence how similar cases are handled in Travis County and beyond. It raises questions about the balance between holding officers accountable and ensuring they can make split-second decisions without fear of unfair prosecution. The defense hopes this sets a precedent for protecting law enforcement in justified use-of-force incidents.

Lessons to Learn

1. Effective communication during emergencies is critical. The scene turned more chaotic because multiple officers issued conflicting commands without clear designation. In crises, especially those involving weapons or mental health crises, clear protocols must be followed to reduce risk and confusion.

2. Legal outcomes are not always final. Appeals exist for a reason—to correct missteps in the legal process. The presence of legal and factual inaccuracies in the initial trial shows the importance of ongoing legal oversight, especially in high-profile prosecutions.

3. Mental health calls can quickly escalate to deadly force. Unfortunately, even well-intentioned police responses can lead to tragic outcomes. Communities need to invest in crisis intervention and mental health training for law enforcement. However, even with the best practices, incidents can end tragically, and we must avoid blaming victims for how situations unfold.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights the serious legal, ethical, and procedural consequences that arise from fatal police encounters, especially when mental health is involved. It reflects ongoing tensions between law enforcement and reform-minded prosecutors. The story also serves as a reminder of how justice systems can be challenged and corrected through appellate review.

Conclusion

In summary, former Austin police officer Christopher Taylor was found guilty of deadly conduct in 2024 in connection with the 2019 fatal shooting of Mauris DeSilva, a man in a mental health crisis. Taylor was sentenced to two years in prison, but in 2025, the Texas 7th Court of Appeals reversed the conviction and issued an acquittal based on evidence that the use of deadly force was legally justified. The ruling has sparked renewed controversy over Travis County’s prosecutorial decisions and raised awareness about police conduct, mental health response protocols, and the importance of due process in criminal justice.