APD chief: Christopher Taylor conviction 'raises questions that must be addressed'

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis and top department brass began an urgent review Sunday to prevent future similar incidents that led to conviction of Officer Christopher Taylor in the shooting death of a mentally ill man who had a knife, according to an internal memo.

Davis said in a department-wide email that, "This decision deeply affects all of us. It is unsettling, and it raises questions that must be addressed by APD leadership. We must ensure that all APD officers feel confident and prepared to encounter unpredictable and dangerous situations."

"Together, we will develop a strategic plan to address this verdict," she added. "We value your input, and it will help direct us as we take action to prevent similar tragedies in the future."

Davis began her job as Austin's police chief about four weeks ago after arriving from the Cincinnati Police Department and has not yet been officially sworn in. She takes over a department has never seen one of its officers convicted for an on-duty fatal shooting.

A Travis County jury on Saturday found Taylor guilty of deadly conduct in the death of Mauris DeSilva , a Sri Lankan researcher and scientist with a history of mental health issues. When officers arrived to his downtown condo building, police took an elevator to a communal floor to confront him. The doors opened, and as officers instantly yelled commands, DeSilva moved toward them with a knife, prompting police to shoot.

Taylor faces up to 10 years behind bars. A sentencing date has not been set.

Davis said in her email that she encouraged officers to "take care of yourself and each other. I know that our department has been through so much in the last several years. As we address (the) verdict, we will do so together."