One of Austin’s most watched police cases just took a dramatic turn. After years of indictments, delays, and a deadly-conduct conviction pushed by Travis County DA José Garza, Officer Christopher Taylor has now been fully acquitted on appeal.
Attorney Doug O’Connell breaks down how a 2019 shooting—seen inside APD as clearly justified—became a political flashpoint, how docket equalization sent the case to West Texas, and how rare a full reverse and render truly is.
We dig into the bigger picture: a DA elected to prosecute officers, a defund-era APD crippled by staffing losses, and a public demanding accountability without understanding split-second force decisions. Doug draws a chilling comparison to Uvalde:
If you act, you’re charged. If you hesitate, you’re charged. What does that do to policing?
He also opens up about the personal toll and why confidential, stigma-free mental-health support is essential for officers and their attorneys.
A must-hear for anyone concerned about policing, justice, or officer wellness.
email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org
