AUSTIN, Texas — A judge has declared a mistrial for Austin police officer Christopher Taylor, who shot and killed Michael Ramos outside a southeast Austin apartment complex in April 2020.
After four days and more than 34 hours of deliberations, the jury sent three notes to the court saying they could not reach a unanimous decision on the verdict leaving both sides to declare a mistrial.
It has left the futures of those involved in limbo.
For Clarvita McMillon, Michael Ramos' older half-sister, she misses his laughter the most.
"I miss his smile, I miss him hugging me, telling me, you know like picking on me," McMillon said.
McMillon testified on the first day of the murder trial, calling it "hurtful" to hear the judge declare a mistrial for Austin police officer Christopher Taylor.
"Justice did not get served at all, for his life, you know. All the memories, holidays are coming up and this is terrible to get all this news for the holidays," McMillon said.
After the court adjourned for the day, the defense got a chance to visit with the jury, learning that eight jurors were convinced that Taylor was not guilty of murder while the remaining four believed he was guilty.
Defense attorney Doug O'Connell says that while Taylor understands the Ramos family's grief, what happened in April 2020 was not murder.
"Chris is frustrated like everybody else, he wants this case over with. He wants to be able to get on with his life. This has been hanging over him for over three years now," O'Connell said. "We'll be ready to come back here as many times as it takes until Chris is acquitted."
What O'Connell does promise is to keep fighting the murder charge against Taylor while McMillon wants others to remember what Michael meant to those who loved him.
"Michael's a good guy and Michael was trying to get it right," McMillon said.
Taylor was facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with Ramos' death.
The state and the defense took an hour and 15 minutes each to make their closing arguments on Tuesday, Nov. 7. During the trial, the jury was given information pertaining to Austin Police Department (APD) practices and procedures and the events that led up to the shooting.
The jury spent all day deliberating on Wednesday, Nov. 8, and Thursday, Nov. 9. The court then took a break on Friday, Nov. 10, and the jury continued to deliberate all day Monday, Nov. 13, and Tuesday, Nov. 14.
At 11 a.m. on Nov. 13, the jury delivered a note to the judge saying that it has been unable to reach a unanimous verdict. The judge then issued what is sometimes referred to as an "Allen charge" or a "dynamite charge," instructing the jurors to continue deliberating.
According to the Legal Information Institute at the Cornell School of Law, Allen charges refer to jury instructions given to a hung jury, urging them to agree on a verdict.
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, the jurors asked for more clarification on the charge the judge gave them. They also stated that they were in conflict over the testimonies of three witnesses: Officer Darrell Cantu-Harkless, Det. Benjamin Hart and Officer Mitchell Pieper.
This is the second time this year that a mistrial has been declared for Taylor. The big question now is what comes next.
Shortly after the mistrial was declared on Wednesday, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson issued the following statement:
“This mistrial will leave just about everyone frustrated, but we can’t let this outcome divide our city,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. "The last few days have intensified the community conversation around public safety and policing, and I understand and support everyone’s right to make their feelings known and their voices heard. I ask that we express our views and emotions in a way that is safe and constructive to the dialogue that needs to continue.
We have come a long way in terms of policing policies, training and how transparent the City is and will be when these types of incidents occur. We have farther to go. I acknowledge that and, as Mayor, I will continue to push these efforts forward. I can tell you that, from the Chief to rank-and-file officers, those that serve the Austin community are dedicated to wholesale change and a new way of policing that focuses on building trust within the community, improving communication, implementing de-escalation tactics, and understanding mental health needs. Their – and my - number one priority is creating a safer city for everyone.
And to our police officers, let me say that this community supports you and wants you to be a part of our efforts to create a safer city for all. We need you.
Finally, I want to thank the members of the jury for their service and time. This was a very weighty and significant decision that was placed on their shoulders, and I appreciate their diligence. I also appreciate Judge Blazey's work. The jury and the judge are important components to our system of justice and we are reliant on them."
Meanwhile, Travis County District Attorney José Garza said, "We are grateful for our community members who served in the jury for this case. We respect the juror’s decision and thank them for their service."
Brenda Ramos, Michael Ramos' mother, released the following statement through the family's attorney:
“My heart continues to break because it’s been three and a half years and there's still been no accountability or justice for my son's murder at the hands of the Austin Police Officer Chris Taylor. Justice delayed is justice denied.
I am disappointed that the criminal justice system did not provide a resolution this time around but I am optimistic justice will eventually prevail. And I am hopeful that I will have my day in court in the federal civil justice system to fight for justice for my son, Michael.
I want to extend my gratitude to the community that has supported me throughout this process and that I know will continue to fight for justice for my son.”
Background on this case
In April 2020, multiple APD officers responded to a report about possible drug dealing in the parking lot of a southeast Austin apartment complex. The 911 caller said that a man, later identified as Mike Ramos, had a gun – but police later confirmed they did not find a weapon.
When officers arrived at the complex, they said Ramos did not obey their commands, prompting them to use beanbag rounds on him. Then, when Ramos got into his car and started driving, 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.
In March 2021, Taylor was indicted for murder in Ramos' death. Earlier this year, a mistrial was granted in Taylor's case amid allegations of potential jury tampering and an inability to seat a jury.
A jury was selected for Taylor's trial in mid-October. Opening statements were delivered on Oct. 23.