Overview
- The defense filed a motion Monday asking a Texas appeals court to temporarily halt Tay‑K’s San Antonio murder appeal and order the trial judge to issue written findings of fact and conclusions of law about the denial of a motion to suppress evidence.
- The dispute centers on an iPhone recovered from a vehicle linked to the 2017 killing of photographer Mark Saldivar and whether the search warrant for that phone was supported by probable cause.
- If the appeals court declines to remand the case for written findings, the defense alternatively requested a two‑week extension to file its appellate brief, which is currently due July 1.
- Tay‑K’s lawyers also challenge the credibility of prosecution witness Joana Reyes and say prosecutors misrepresented her legal record at trial, a claim they raise as part of the broader appeal.
- The appeals court has not ruled on the motion and any remand or extension would pause briefing in a case where Tay‑K is serving concurrent 80‑year and 55‑year sentences and is not eligible for parole until 2049.