AUSTIN, Texas — A Travis County judge on Monday declared a mistrial after a jury could not reach a unanimous verdict in the deadly conduct trial of Austin Police Department officer Daniel Sanchez.
The case stems from the fatal shooting of Rajan Moonesinghe on the front porch of his Austin home on Nov. 15, 2022.
Officers responded to a 911 call requesting police and mental health support because a man was holding a gun in a residential neighborhood. Video and audio showed officers arrived at the residence, yelled “drop your gun,” and fired at Moonesinghe, who was holding an AR-15-style weapon.
Police identified Sanchez as the officer who fired at Moonesinghe. In 2023, a grand jury indicted him on one count of deadly conduct.
Sanchez’s trial took place in the 299th Criminal District Court. Testimony began on Nov. 6 and the jury began deliberations on Nov. 14.
In a statement, Travis County District Attorney José Garza said Sage will reset the case to “a future date.”
“Our hearts continue to go out to the Moonesinghe family, who have waited so long for justice,” said Garza.
Moonesinghe’s family has previously said that his fear of a home invader wasn’t taken seriously by police. His brother Johann has said that officers “shot first and asked questions later.”
Rajan founded Austin-based business inKind with his older brother Johann, which says it helps restaurants access capital without traditional investment or loans.