Murder case of Austin police officer will not be retried

Austin police officer Christopher Taylor is on trial for the 2020 murder of Mike Ramos (KXAN photo/Ed Zavala)

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that a grand jury did not return charges in the case of Austin Police Department Officer Christopher Taylor in connection with the death of Michael Ramos.

The decision ended prosecution against Taylor.

According to prosecutors, the grand jury completed its review of the case on Tuesday.

Taylor was on trial for shooting and killing Ramos in April 2020 during a standoff with police.

In November 2023, the jury in his trial could not agree on conviction or acquittal, and the trial ended in a jury deadlock and a mistrial.

On Tuesday, prosecutors resubmitted the case to a grand jury to consider the murder and other possible charges, but the jury convicted him on all counts.

“We are surprised and disappointed by this outcome, but we also respect the grand jury’s decision and time,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “Our hearts continue to break for the Ramos family, who we know are still grieving.”

KXAN has contacted Taylor’s attorneys and will update this story when we receive a response.