Tay-K has reentered public discussion after releasing new music from prison. Meanwhile, his legal team presses forward with a renewed effort to challenge his murder conviction. The case traces back to a 2017 San Antonio shooting that left photographer Mark Saldivar dead. This incident ultimately led to the lengthy sentence he is now serving.
Recent court filings reported by Complex outline a request from his attorneys to briefly slow portions of the appellate process. Specifically, they seek more clarity from the trial court. At the center of the dispute is a search warrant involving an iPhone recovered from a vehicle tied to the investigation. The defense has long argued that the evidence should have been excluded due to a lack of probable cause. However, the original trial court rejected their motion.
Now, his legal team is asking an appellate court to require more detailed written reasoning from the lower court. Specifically, they request “findings of fact and conclusions of law.” They argue that without a fuller explanation of how the ruling was reached, the appeal cannot properly address the suppression issues now under review.
Defense seeks findings, brief extension possible
“The need for detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law is essential to this case,” the motion states. “Although the trial court made some off hand comments about the existence of probable cause, Counsel respectfully submits these remarks are insufficient for full and fair appellate review of [Tay-K’s] suppression claims. Without concise, written findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is impossible to adequately brief the suppression issues raised by this appeal.” The filing also emphasizes that the request is not intended to disrupt a July 1 briefing deadline. Rather, it seeks to allow limited adjustment around unresolved legal questions.
If denied, the defense has proposed a short two-week extension to complete its submission. The appeal follows Tay-K’s 80-year sentence in the same case. In that trial, questions were also raised about the credibility of a key witness.
He is separately serving a 55-year sentence for a 2016 home invasion in which Ethan Walker was killed. He was arrested on June 30, 2017—the day his breakout track “The Race” was released. He is currently scheduled for parole eligibility in 2049.
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