A judge in Austin, Texas, declared a mistrial in the case of police officer Christopher Taylor, charged with the first-degree murder of Michael Ramos. The decision by Judge Dayna Blazey came after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict following extensive deliberations.
Officer Taylor was facing trial for the April 2020 shooting of Ramos outside a southeast Austin apartment complex. Over three weeks, the jury heard witness testimonies and viewed body camera footage. Despite lengthy deliberations from November 8 to November 14, the jury remained deadlocked, prompting the judge to deliver an Allen charge, an instruction urging jurors to agree on a verdict.
The jurors requested further clarification on the charge and expressed conflicting views on the testimonies of three witnesses: Officer Darrell Cantu-Harkless, Det. Benjamin Hart, and Officer Mitchell Pieper.
This mistrial marks the second such outcome for Taylor this year, raising questions about the next steps in the legal process. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson responded to the mistrial, calling for constructive dialogue and emphasizing the city’s progress in policing policies and transparency. He reaffirmed support for the police force and the community’s involvement in creating a safer city.
Travis County District Attorney José Garza expressed gratitude towards the jury for their service. Brenda Ramos, the victim’s mother, expressed disappointment over the lack of resolution but remained hopeful for justice in the federal civil justice system.
