Tay-K, America’s popular rapper known for his breakout hit The Race, has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for his role in the 2017 murder of a photographer in Texas.
The 24-year-old rapper, whose real name is Taymor McIntyre, was convicted of killing Mark Anthony Saldivar during a robbery that took place when Tay-K was just 16.
The sentencing was delivered on Tuesday by a jury in Bexar County after hours of testimonies during the punishment phase of the trial.
According to prosecutors, Saldivar was fatally shot by Tay-K after his photography equipment was stolen.
He was initially facing a capital murder charge, but it was later reduced to murder following deliberations on Monday.
During the trial, Tay-K’s lawyers argued that the investigation was not thorough and that it heavily relied on questionable witness testimonies.
“Taymor McIntyre is not guilty of capital murder, murder, or manslaughter, and the reason for that is very simple,”
Tay-K’s attorney John Hunter told jurors during closing arguments.
“You have to do it right. You have to do the work. And this case clearly demonstrates the work wasn’t done.”
However, the court held that Tay-K was responsible for the death, and Judge Stephanie Boyd gave him a direct message during sentencing.
“I do realize that while this is a lot of time, you’re still alive. You can still better yourself,” she said.
“But the complainant in this case is deceased, and you need to internalize that the complainant in this case is deceased.
You’re going to have to make changes.”
Tay-K is currently being held at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where he will remain in custody until further notice.
Though he faced a possible life sentence, he received 80 years, with eligibility for parole in the future.
The rapper had previously been sentenced to 55 years in prison in 2019 for his involvement in the 2016 killing of 21-year-old Ethan Walker in Fort Worth, Texas.
Meanwhile, Tay-K gained national attention after releasing The Race, a song he recorded while on the run from the police following the initial shooting.
The track went viral, earning over 400 million streams on Spotify and briefly launching him into the spotlight.
Despite his music success, Tay-K’s growing legal troubles have overshadowed his career.
Furthermore, the court’s decision highlights the importance of accountability, regardless of fame or popularity.
Therefore, the 80-year sentence marks a strong conclusion to a case that has drawn public attention for years, reinforcing the need for justice and discipline, no matter a person’s status.
Tay-K, America’s popular rapper known for his breakout hit The Race, has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for his role in the 2017 murder of a photographer in Texas.
The 24-year-old rapper, whose real name is Taymor McIntyre, was convicted of killing Mark Anthony Saldivar during a robbery that took place when Tay-K was just 16.
The sentencing was delivered on Tuesday by a jury in Bexar County after hours of testimonies during the punishment phase of the trial.
According to prosecutors, Saldivar was fatally shot by Tay-K after his photography equipment was stolen.
He was initially facing a capital murder charge, but it was later reduced to murder following deliberations on Monday.
During the trial, Tay-K’s lawyers argued that the investigation was not thorough and that it heavily relied on questionable witness testimonies.
“Taymor McIntyre is not guilty of capital murder, murder, or manslaughter, and the reason for that is very simple,”
Tay-K’s attorney John Hunter told jurors during closing arguments.
“You have to do it right. You have to do the work. And this case clearly demonstrates the work wasn’t done.”
However, the court held that Tay-K was responsible for the death, and Judge Stephanie Boyd gave him a direct message during sentencing.
“I do realize that while this is a lot of time, you’re still alive. You can still better yourself,” she said.
“But the complainant in this case is deceased, and you need to internalize that the complainant in this case is deceased.
You’re going to have to make changes.”
Tay-K is currently being held at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where he will remain in custody until further notice.
Though he faced a possible life sentence, he received 80 years, with eligibility for parole in the future.
The rapper had previously been sentenced to 55 years in prison in 2019 for his involvement in the 2016 killing of 21-year-old Ethan Walker in Fort Worth, Texas.
Meanwhile, Tay-K gained national attention after releasing The Race, a song he recorded while on the run from the police following the initial shooting.
The track went viral, earning over 400 million streams on Spotify and briefly launching him into the spotlight.
Despite his music success, Tay-K’s growing legal troubles have overshadowed his career.
Furthermore, the court’s decision highlights the importance of accountability, regardless of fame or popularity.
Therefore, the 80-year sentence marks a strong conclusion to a case that has drawn public attention for years, reinforcing the need for justice and discipline, no matter a person’s status.
