AUSTIN, Texas — A new date has been set for the murder trial of the Austin Police Department (APD) officer who shot and killed Michael Ramos.
In May, a mistrial was granted in Christopher Taylor's case amid allegations of potential jury tampering and the inability to seat a jury. A new trial will go ahead on Oct. 16, KVUE has confirmed.
Last month's mistrial came after a week of jury selection, during which there were several hurdles including a locked courtroom door, travel interference with potential jurors and "mysterious envelopes" that were found on two potential jurors' cars.
The Travis County District Attorney released the following statement after the mistrial was declared:
"Our hearts go out to the Ramos family, who have to wait even longer for the trial of Christopher Taylor. Due to the release of Monday’s jury panel because of a constitutional violation, the parties were not able to select a jury this week. The judge will reset the case to a future date, and the state will be ready to try the case then."
In April 2020, Austin police officers responded to a report about a possible drug dealing in the parking lot of a southeast Austin complex. The caller told police that a man had a gun, however, police did not find a weapon.
Police say Ramos did not obey their commands, prompting them to use bean bag rounds on him. Ramos then got into his car and started driving. It was at that time that Taylor opened fire.
The shooting led to a local outcry and calls for justice, amid ongoing outrage over the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.