AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- An Austin Police officer is facing a murder charge in connection with the officer-involved shooting of Michael Ramos last year.
Officer Christopher Taylor shot and killed Ramos following a confrontation in the parking lot of a south Austin apartment complex on April 24, 2020.
The case, which prompted protests alongside those for George Floyd, is one of several use-of-force incidents that have been under investigation by Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza.
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A 911 caller reported a man using drugs and holding a gun with a passenger inside the vehicle. Following an initial review of the investigation, APD Chief Brian Manley said there was no gun found inside or near Ramos' vehicle.
Taylor has remained on administrative duty since the shooting, per department policy.
"Today we have taken a significant step towards justice for the Ramos family and for our community," Travis County District Attorney José Garza said Thursday morning. "My heart continues to break for the Ramos family and we still have much work ahead of us, but we know that holding law enforcement accountable when they break the law is critical to restoring the trust of our community and to ensuring its safety."
The same grand jury that indicted Taylor returned a no-bill on officer Mitchell Pieper, who shot Ramos with a less-lethal bean bag round prior to Taylor's fatal shots.