Tay-K receives 80-year prison sentence for 2017 murder

Tay-K Sentenced to 80 Years for 2017 Murder Case

Texas rapper Tay-K, born Taymor McIntyre, was sentenced to 80 years in prison earlier this week after a jury found him guilty of the 2017 murder of 23-year-old photographer Mark Anthony Saldivar. The sentencing took place in San Antonio, Texas, in the 187th District Court. Judge Stephanie Boyd delivered the verdict on Tuesday, closing another chapter in the controversial rise—and fall—of the once-viral rap sensation.

A Tragic End and a Long Sentence

The sentencing comes years after the crime that shocked fans and critics alike. Saldivar had arranged to meet Tay-K for a photoshoot. What followed, according to prosecutors, was a robbery gone wrong. Saldivar was shot in his car after a struggle allegedly broke out over camera equipment. Tay-K, just 17 at the time, was on the run from law enforcement—adding another layer of notoriety to the case.

While the jury did not find Tay-K guilty of capital murder, which would have resulted in life without parole, they convicted him of murder, sentencing him to 80 years. Judge Boyd acknowledged the severity of the punishment but left the door open for rehabilitation. “You’re still alive. You can still better yourself,” she told him in court. But she also reminded him, “The complainant in this case is deceased, and you need to internalize that.”

A Pattern of Violence: The Ethan Walker Case

The 2017 case is not Tay-K’s only run-in with the law. In 2019, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to 55 years in prison for his role in the 2016 killing of Ethan Walker during a home invasion in Mansfield, Texas. That crime—committed when Tay-K was 16—marked the beginning of a violent trajectory that would ultimately end in his incarceration.

Both the Walker and Saldivar cases share tragic similarities: young lives lost, reckless decisions, and a justice system grappling with how to handle minors involved in serious crimes. With the new sentence, Tay-K’s eligibility for parole will likely not come for several decades.

The Viral Fame of “The Race”

While on the run from authorities in 2017, Tay-K released the music video for “The Race.” In a shocking move that blurred the lines between art and real-life crime, the video featured the rapper standing next to his own wanted poster. The song quickly gained viral traction, skyrocketing to No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The release of “The Race” turned Tay-K into an internet legend of sorts. But it also sparked fierce debate about whether the music industry was enabling or glorifying criminal behavior. Despite being on the run for a murder charge, the song’s popularity continued to grow, especially among younger fans and social media influencers.

The fame, however, came at a steep price. Shortly after the video’s release, Tay-K was captured in New Jersey. His legal troubles escalated from that point forward.

A Troubled Childhood and Systemic Failures

During the trial, Tay-K’s defense team painted a picture of a deeply troubled childhood. His sister testified that their foster mother was both mentally and physically abusive. Judge Boyd didn’t ignore this context. She noted the repeated failures of Child Protective Services and both of Tay-K’s parents in providing a stable environment.

“If you believe the testimony,” Judge Boyd said, “I don’t know why Child Protective Services would place children back with a father who put the children’s mother in a hospital.”

While his background does not absolve him of the crimes, it offers some insight into how a teenager could spiral into such a dangerous lifestyle. For many advocates of criminal justice reform, Tay-K’s story is yet another example of how early trauma and systemic failures can lead to tragedy.

The Defense’s Argument

Tay-K’s lawyer, John Hunter, argued passionately in court that the prosecution had failed to meet its burden. “Taymor McIntyre is not guilty of capital murder, murder, or manslaughter,” he said, adding, “The reason for that is very simple. You have to do it right. You have to do the work. And this case clearly demonstrates the work wasn’t done.”

Despite the argument, the jury sided with the prosecution, ultimately convicting the rapper of murder rather than the more serious charge of capital murder. Still, the 80-year sentence reflects the gravity of the offense and Tay-K’s criminal history.

Public Reaction: Sympathy or Accountability?

When DJ Akademiks posted the sentencing update on Instagram, fans and followers lit up the comments section. But surprisingly, sympathy for the rapper was minimal. Many users highlighted the deaths of two innocent men and expressed support for the sentence.

While Tay-K’s story has inspired memes, songs, and think-pieces, the public appears to be growing less tolerant of artists who blur the line between entertainment and real-life violence. In a post-George Floyd era where criminal justice issues are more scrutinized than ever, Tay-K’s story is now seen less as a misunderstood teen rebel and more as a cautionary tale.

Evergreen Lessons From a Modern Tragedy

Tay-K’s rise and fall offer timeless lessons for both aspiring artists and society as a whole:

• Fame is not a shield. Tay-K’s story is proof that viral fame does not protect you from real-world consequences.

• Background matters, but accountability is key. Trauma may help explain behavior, but it doesn’t excuse criminal acts.

• Art imitates life—but it can also influence it. The glorification of crime in music is a long-standing controversy. Tay-K’s story adds fuel to that debate.

• The justice system must balance fairness and punishment. Tay-K’s case shows the difficulty courts face when sentencing young offenders with violent pasts.

What’s Next for Tay-K?

Tay-K is currently serving his sentence in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility. With both murder convictions now behind him, he faces an uphill legal battle. Even with good behavior, he won’t be eligible for parole for decades.

There’s also the question of his music career. While he’s released some content from behind bars, a full comeback seems highly unlikely. The rapper who once ran “the race” is now running out of time.

The saga of Tay-K is equal parts tragedy, cautionary tale, and cultural flashpoint. It’s a story about talent misused, lives lost, and opportunities wasted. For young artists and fans alike, it’s a reminder that actions have consequences, and no song—no matter how viral—can undo the harm caused by violence.

Whether Tay-K uses his time to reflect and reform remains to be seen. But for now, his name will be remembered more for the headlines than the music.