In an internal email responding to the conviction of Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor, Austin's incoming Police Chief Lisa Davis called the situation "unsettling" and one that "raises questions that must be addressed by APD leadership," as reported by KVUE. Taylor was found guilty of deadly conduct following the shooting death of a mentally ill man, Mauris DeSilva, leading to an urgent call to review department policies to prevent similar incidents.
Amidst taking over a department that has not previously seen an officer convicted for an on-duty fatal shooting, Davis, who arrived from the Cincinnati Police Department about a month ago and has not been officially sworn in, is focusing on bolstering the preparation and confidence of APD officers in handling dangerous situations. "We will develop a strategic plan to address this verdict," stated Chief Davis in a department-wide email obtained by The Austin American-Statesman. While developing the strategic plan, the input of APD officers is reportedly a valuable component that Davis is seeking.
Officer Taylor's conviction stems from a response to a call that culminated in the deadly shooting of DeSilva, a Sri Lankan researcher with a history of mental issues. Upon their arrival at DeSilva's downtown condo, the officers quickly found themselves in a critical situation where DeSilva, knife in hand, approached them as they exited the elevator. This confrontation led to Taylor firing upon DeSilva, who succumbed to his injuries, and has now resulted in Taylor facing up to 10 years in prison; a sentencing date remains pending.
As the APD grapples with the aftermath of the verdict, Chief Davis urged officers to support one another. "I know that our department has been through so much in the last several years," Davis conveyed in her email, "As we address (the) verdict, we will do so together." She is expected to decide Taylor's future with the APD in light of the conviction and in alignment with state licensing rules that typically lead to the revocation of license for officers convicted of a felony. Chief Davis's approach points towards a collective endeavor as the department navigates through the implications of the trial's outcome and the necessary reforms that may follow.
