The highly anticipated trial of rapper Taymor “Tay-K” McIntyre began today in the 187th District Court of San Antonio, Texas. Judge Stephanie Boyd is presiding over the case. McIntyre faces a capital murder charge for the 2017 killing of 23-year-old photographer Mark Anthony Saldivar. The courtroom was filled with spectators. Reporters, fans, and members of both the victim’s and defendant’s families were present. They were all awaiting the unfolding of a trial that could determine McIntyre’s fate for life.
The Incident That Led to Trial
Saldivar, an aspiring photographer, landed a photoshoot with rising rapper at the time, TayK-47. On April 23, 2017, Saldivar was found dead outside a Chick-fil-A on the North Side of San Antonio. According to prosecutors, McIntyre and his friends were in a vehicle with Saldivar. McIntyre was seated in the front passenger seat. He demanded the photographer’s backpack. It contained expensive photography equipment. Saldivar got out of the vehicle. He called for help. When he stood in front of the SUV, the driver allegedly sped forward. This action forced him to cling to the hood.
As the vehicle reached the Chick-fil-A parking lot, Saldivar reportedly climbed onto the windshield and began kicking it. At that moment, prosecutors claim, the front-seat passenger pulled out a gun. They fired a fatal shot and the group sped away.
The Defense’s Argument
McIntyre’s defense attorney, John T. Hunter, argued that the investigation into Saldivar’s death was sloppy and biased, labeling it “lazy” and “half-hearted.” He claimed that the prosecution’s case relies heavily on statements from McIntyre’s friends. These friends may have had motives to shift blame onto the rapper. Hunter emphasized that there was no hard evidence proving an attempted robbery. He noted that the stolen photography equipment was never found.
He also suggested that the shooting might have been an act of self-defense, considering Saldivar’s aggressive actions. According to Hunter, Saldivar’s decision to jump onto the vehicle posed a real danger to those inside. Stomping the windshield further increased the risk. This “potentially” justified the use of a firearm.
The Prosecution’s Argument
Prosecutor Jason Garrahan painted a different picture, describing Saldivar as a young photographer excited to work with an emerging rapper. He argued that Saldivar had no reason to be aggressive and that McIntyre’s actions led to his tragic death. Garrahan framed the incident as a senseless killing. He emphasized that it was not self-defense. He stressed that the victim never posed a threat warranting the use of deadly force.
Tay-K’s Troubled Past
This isn’t the first time Tay-K has faced serious legal trouble. He first gained national attention for his 2017 hit song “The Race.” He released it on the same day he was captured after evading authorities for months. That case was connected to a 2016 home invasion in Mansfield, Texas, where 21-year-old Ethan Walker was shot and killed. McIntyre was convicted in 2019 and sentenced to 55 years in prison for his role in that crime.
Look at how young he was!
What’s Next?
Jury selection began on Monday, and today’s proceedings included opening statements and initial witness testimonies. The trial is expected to continue over the next several days. Both sides will present evidence. They will also call witnesses to testify. If convicted of capital murder, McIntyre faces the possibility of life in prison on top of the 55 years he’s currently serving for another murder case.
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