A jury in Bexar County, Texas, delivered its verdict on Monday, April 14, 2025, in the capital murder trial of rapper Taymor McIntyre, widely known as Tay-K 47. The jury found McIntyre 'not guilty' of capital murder but 'guilty' of murder in the 2017 death of photographer Mark Anthony Saldivar. The courtroom erupted in a brief celebration from McIntyre's supporters before being quickly silenced by court officials.
Following the verdict, the jury's focus shifted to determining McIntyre's punishment, which could range from 5 to 99 years in prison. Had he been convicted of capital murder, he would have faced a life sentence without the possibility of parole, given that he was 16 at the time of Saldivar's killing.
The punishment phase commenced Monday afternoon, revealing that this is not McIntyre's first murder conviction. His defense attorney, John Hunter, informed jurors that McIntyre had previously been found guilty in a separate murder case in Fort Worth, where he was sentenced to 55 years as an accessory to the crime. Hunter urged jurors to consider McIntyre's age at the time of the crime, stating, "We're not trying to paint this boy as a saint, and I'm not asking you to forgive him for what he did. I'm just asking you to keep it all in perspective."
McIntyre, now 24 years old, gained notoriety for his song "The Race," which peaked on Billboard's Hot 100 in 2017. The song's music video features him posing with a wanted poster and has garnered over 250 million views on YouTube. This viral hit emerged while he was on the run from law enforcement after being placed under house arrest for a previous murder charge.
Prosecutors accused McIntyre of shooting and killing Saldivar, who was 23 years old, during an alleged robbery over photography equipment on April 23, 2017. The incident unfolded at a Chick-fil-A restaurant near North Star Mall in San Antonio. According to the prosecution, Saldivar had been asked to take photos of McIntyre for his new song and was subsequently shot when he attempted to retrieve his belongings after being robbed.
Eyewitness testimonies played a critical role in the trial. Joanna Reyes, McIntyre's former girlfriend, testified that she was driving the vehicle involved and witnessed McIntyre shooting Saldivar as he climbed onto the car to reclaim his stolen gear. Reyes, who had accepted a plea deal for probation related to evidence tampering, faced scrutiny regarding the reliability of her testimony, as several witnesses provided conflicting accounts of the events.
During the trial, Hunter argued that the investigation leading to McIntyre's arrest was flawed and overly reliant on witness statements, particularly Reyes'. He asserted that the lack of concrete evidence, such as Saldivar's photography equipment, weakened the prosecution's case. Despite these arguments, the jury ultimately sided with the prosecution, convicting McIntyre of murder.
Prosecutors rested their case in the punishment phase on Monday evening, with Judge Stephanie Boyd instructing jurors to continue their deliberations on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The outcome of this trial marks a significant chapter in McIntyre's turbulent legal saga, which began when he was first arrested in 2017.
Previously, in 2019, a Tarrant County jury convicted McIntyre of a botched home invasion that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Ethan Walker. For this crime, he was sentenced to 55 years in prison. The stark contrast between his two murder convictions highlights the complexities of his legal battles as he navigates the consequences of his actions.
As McIntyre awaits sentencing for the murder of Saldivar, the implications of his actions resonate deeply with the victim's family, who have endured a long and painful journey through the justice system. The case has drawn significant media attention, not only for its tragic circumstances but also for the controversial nature of McIntyre's rise to fame amidst his criminal activities.
The jury's decision to acquit McIntyre of capital murder, while finding him guilty of murder, has sparked discussions about the legal system's treatment of young offenders and the implications of their actions. As the trial continues, the community remains divided on the issues of justice, accountability, and the potential for rehabilitation.
In a world where fame and infamy often collide, Tay-K's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of choices made in youth and the long-lasting impact of violence. As the sentencing phase approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom, awaiting the final verdict that will determine McIntyre's fate.
