'Miscarriage of justice': Soros DA criticized by police for 'war' on cops after officer receives prison sentence

A district attorney in Austin, Texas is facing criticism from police officers after one of their own was sentenced to two years in prison for following proper police procedures.

In 2019, Mauris DeSilva was shot and killed by Austin police officer Christopher Taylor, who was later convicted of deadly conduct and sentenced to two years in prison.

DeSilva, while in a mental health episode, was walking around an apartment complex, threatening self-harm and holding a knife to his throat. Despite being instructed by officers to drop the knife, he failed to comply.

Several members of the law enforcement community in Austin claim that Taylor's prosecution is a deliberate attack on police officers by District Attorney Jose Garza, who is known for his progressive views.

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza's weaponization of the Justice System has resulted in the death of Officer Chris Taylor, as stated by Austin Police Officer Justin Berry in a Planet Chronicle Digital interview.

"Officer Chris Taylor knew that wearing a police badge meant he might have to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow officers or the community. However, he and his family never imagined that their lives would be taken by a vindictive district attorney with a personal vendetta against a police officer trying to protect himself and others. I have spoken with law enforcement leaders from across Texas, and we all support Officer Taylor and the other unjustly persecuted officers in their fight against the weaponization of the justice system by rogue district attorneys who abuse it with impunity."

In the months leading up to the 2020 Travis County DA election, Soros contributed $652,000 to the Texas Justice & Public Safety PAC, which spent almost $1 million on digital and mail advertisements to help Garza's campaign. As a result, Garza has faced criticism from law enforcement in Austin for an alleged "war on cops" after the Soros-backed district attorney campaigned on indicting police officers and "reimagining" policing in Austin.

Berry, one of over a dozen police officers indicted by Garza for quelling Black Lives Matter riots in 2020, stated that Taylor's situation highlights the historic abuse of office by Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza in his personal war against the men and women of the Austin Police Department.

"According to Berry, Garza's message to police officers in Travis County, Texas is that they are prohibited from defending themselves and others, including members of their own community. Berry stated that police officers in Austin, Texas have always been legally justified in defending themselves or others from serious bodily injury or death when an armed subject charges at them with the intent to harm or kill. However, Garza has set a new policy that no police officer should respond to any call involving anyone in a mental health crisis, especially if they are armed with a weapon."

An Austin police officer, granted anonymity, described Tuesday as a "sad" and "dark day" for the city.

"The officer stated that people are no longer interested in attending mental health calls and, if they do attend, there will be some hesitation. This reluctance will result in harm to individuals who would have otherwise been safe."

"We're all heartbroken for Chris and his family. Despite following sound tactics and decision-making, Chris is now facing a two-year prison sentence. We haven't received any helpful advice because – what do you change when Chris did everything right?"

According to the officers who spoke with Planet Chronicle Digital, Taylor adhered to his training, as confirmed by the testimony of former Austin police chief Brian Manley and former Austin assistant city manager Bruce Mills. Furthermore, an internal police department review found that Taylor followed protocol, and he was subsequently permitted to resume his duties.

The defense contended that the use of deadly force against DeSilva was unnecessary and that Taylor could have resolved the situation without resorting to violence.

"Your ignorance led to the loss of my son, and your recklessness in shooting him is inexcusable," DeSilva's father stated in court. "You knew he was not a threat to you or anyone else, yet you still chose to take his life. I cannot fathom the reasoning behind your actions."

The Austin Police Retired Officers Association president, Dennis Farris, provided evidence to Planet Chronicle Digital that DeSilva had meth in his system, a blood alcohol level of over .20, and testimony that DeSilva was approaching the officers with a knife.

"Police officers cannot be expected to protect society every day while worrying about being indicted by elected DAs who decide their actions were criminal," Farris said to Planet Chronicle Digital. "Chris Taylor followed the law and his training in this situation, yet prosecutors convinced a jury that it was unlawful."

"The DA's verdict and sentence are a clear miscarriage of justice, as they unfairly target police officers for carrying out their duties and allow dangerous criminals to go unpunished."

Nearly 30 law enforcement officers in the county have been politically persecuted by Garza, who has embarked on a mission, according to the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas (CLEAT).

"CLEAT stated that Officer Taylor followed his training and procedures and acted as any reasonable officer would have. Several witnesses, including the former Chief of Police of the Austin Police Department, confirmed this. Experts in use of force and police procedures testified that his actions were justified and adhered to nationally recognized training standards and protocols. As such, CLEAT stands by Officer Taylor, his family, and the members of the Austin Police Department."

In response to inquiries from Planet Chronicle Digital about law enforcement's concerns, Garza's office issued a statement stating that Taylor was convicted by a Travis County jury and sentenced by a Travis County judge.

"Garza's office expressed gratitude for their dedicated team who worked tirelessly to ensure accountability for the defendant and to seek justice for the victim and their family. The office hopes that this outcome will bring comfort and support to the DeSilva family as they continue their healing journey."

In 2020, shortly after taking office, Garza's office charged Taylor with murder in an unrelated case. However, the case ended in a mistrial in November of last year, and his office has stated that it will not be brought up again.

Several police officers in Travis County are currently facing charges, and their families are in urgent need of support, according to Berry, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Berry stated that Chris is not the only Austin Police Officer on Garza's hit list, and that many other officers are also awaiting sham trials in this political miscarriage of justice. These officers and their families have had their entire lives upended and are left waiting for their trial date, with Garza threatening to end their lives too. Berry emphasized the need for an end to this abuse of power and miscarriage of justice, and urged support for these officers and their families during this difficult time."

In a statement on X, Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock stated that he believes Garza is engaging in "political games."

"In the trial, the defendants have disregarded their own experts, asserted their expertise in tactics, attacked other officers who testified, and attempted to disparage the Austin Police Department. Dexter Gilford from the DA's office stated tonight that the DA's office possesses more knowledge about tactics than the officers who encounter these realities on a daily basis."

"Despite giving sweetheart plea deals to rapists and violent criminals, this District Attorney has ignored victims and spent large amounts of taxpayer money to repeatedly target Detective Taylor, who was put in a difficult position and had to defend himself and others against a meth-addled attacker with a knife. Despite Garza's attempts to convince people otherwise, he is actively making our city more dangerous by releasing criminals and targeting police officers."