A Texas jury has sentenced rapper Taymor McIntyre, known as Tay-K, to 80 years in prison for the 2017 murder of San Antonio photographer Mark Anthony Saldivar, closing a high-profile case that has stirred debate and emotion across the nation.
The Verdict and Sentencing
On Tuesday, a Bexar County jury delivered its decision after four hours of deliberation, finding McIntyre guilty of murder but not capital murder, which would have mandated an automatic life sentence without parole. At the time of the crime, McIntyre was 16 years old—a factor that weighed heavily in both the prosecution and defense arguments throughout the trial.
The jury’s verdict followed a tense trial, with the courtroom at times erupting in audible reactions from McIntyre’s family, prompting Judge Stephanie Boyd to remove them to maintain order. The sentence—80 years in prison—means McIntyre will remain in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
The Crime and Its Aftermath
Saldivar, 23, was shot and killed on April 23, 2017, in the parking lot of a Chick-fil-A across from North Star Mall in San Antonio. Prosecutors argued that McIntyre lured Saldivar under the pretense of a photography job, then attempted to rob him of his camera equipment before fatally shooting him. Defense attorneys challenged the investigation’s thoroughness, insisting there was insufficient evidence regarding what transpired inside the vehicle where the shooting occurred.
A Troubled Past and Musical Fame
McIntyre, best known for his platinum-certified 2017 hit “The Race,” had already been serving a 55-year sentence for his role in the 2016 murder of Ethan Walker in Tarrant County, Texas. The sentences will run concurrently. “The Race,” which chronicled McIntyre’s time as a fugitive, became a viral sensation, amassing hundreds of millions of views and sparking widespread discussion about the intersection of crime, youth, and fame in hip-hop culture.
Public Reaction and Debate
The sentencing has ignited a firestorm on social media and within the hip-hop community. Supporters argue that the 80-year sentence is excessively harsh given McIntyre’s age at the time of the crime and his troubled upbringing, while others contend that justice has been served for Saldivar and his family. The case has highlighted ongoing debates about juvenile justice, the influence of music on youth, and the responsibilities of artists whose lives mirror the violence depicted in their lyrics.
What’s Next
McIntyre’s legal team has not ruled out appeals, and the case is expected to remain a focal point in discussions about criminal justice reform and the treatment of young offenders in Texas and beyond. For now, Tay-K, once a rising star in rap, faces a future behind bars, his legacy shaped as much by his music as by the tragic crimes that ended two young lives.