SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Thursday night, chants filled the air in San Marcos, demanding justice for Malachi Williams.
The 22-year-old was shot and killed on April 11 by San Marcos police officers, but family and friends believe his death could have been prevented.
Williams suffered from mental health issues and was unhoused at the time of his death – a well-known fact by those who spoke at his vigil.
However, they noted Williams was kind and harmless.
According to San Marcos police, Williams was wielding a knife at Hopkins and Cheathem Street following 911 calls from two men who said a man had followed them from a convenience store in the area into a neighborhood nearby. It was soon after that police spotted someone they said matched the description of who they were looking for.
According to police, Williams took off running – knife in hand – toward a business, which prompted officers to shoot. Williams died at a hospital in Kyle.
But two weeks later, his family said they have yet to see body camera footage or a police report from the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD).
“After having asked for bodycam, we have not yet received it. What are you hiding from?” Williams’ grandfather, Pastor Wayne Miller, said to the crowd. “Are you afraid that I might see, or someone might see that you made a mistake?”
On Monday, SMPD Chief Stan Standridge released an over 11-minute-long YouTube video regarding the shooting involving one of his officers. Standridge noted that SMPD does plan to release bodycam footage of the shooting, but not until the officer is cleared by a grand jury or is indicted after his criminal proceedings are done.
Community members, aware of Standridge’s statement, said the footage should be released for the family’s sake. They raised questions about why de-escalation tactics were not used in the shooting citing Williams’ mental health.
“When you see my grandson’s face, I want you to look at the face of your loved one,” Miller said. "[I’m] not opposed to my brothers in blue. I’m opposed to some of the things you do.”
Standridge noted in his statement that video evidence shows Williams "was wielding one knife in his hand" and shows that there were 10 or more people outside of the business the 22-year-old ran toward.
The officer had discharged his taser before firing his weapon, according to Standridge.
KVUE reached out to SMPD on Thursday ahead of the vigil. The department provided the following statement:
We are aware of the vigil planned tonight for Malachi Williams. Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected, this was truly an outcome that no one wants, including the San Marcos Police Department.
We understand the community’s desire for answers and accountability. Our department is committed to ensuring that all facts are fully examined as the ongoing investigation and legal processes surrounding the incident continue.
We also recognize the importance of peaceful expression and providing a space for family and friends to grieve. We are committed to continue supporting the community as we move forward together through the investigation process.
The officer who fired his weapon is on administrative leave. There are currently three ongoing investigations in this case.