Mistrial Declared for Texas Cop Who Shot and Killed Unarmed Black and Hispanic Man, Michael Ramos

A mistrial has been declared in the case of a police officer charged with the first-degree murder of an unarmed Black and Hispanic man in Austin, Texas in 2020. Christopher Taylor was on trial for the shooting death of Michael Ramos. The judge declared a mistrial after the jury deliberated for over 34 hours across four days and failed to reach a unanimous decision. The jury sent three notes to the court stating their inability to agree.

Ramos was killed on April 24, 2020, after officers from the Austin Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting drug activity. The caller falsely claimed to have seen Ramos holding a gun and threatening a woman. When the officers arrived, they ordered Ramos to exit his vehicle and show his hands. Ramos complied and was instructed to walk towards the officers and lift his shirt. As the situation escalated, Ramos expressed confusion and pleaded his innocence. One officer then shot Ramos with a bean bag, causing him to retreat into his vehicle. Officer Taylor subsequently fired three shots, fatally injuring Ramos.

This is the second mistrial declared in this case. The first was declared in May 2023 after a jury could not be seated. The decision to declare a mistrial has left Ramos’ family devastated, as they believe justice has not been served. Taylor’s defense lawyer argued that the shooting was not murder and that his client was traumatized by the event. During the trial, it was revealed that the jury was deadlocked, with eight jurors voting guilty and four voting not guilty.

Activist Chris Harris expressed hope that the state would retry the case, emphasizing that Ramos posed no threat to the officers. However, prosecutors have not yet announced if they intend to pursue a retrial. The mistrial has reignited discussions about police accountability and the use of force in communities of color, with many calling for justice and transparency in the case.