⚖️ Tay-K Sentenced to 80 Years for 2017 San Antonio Murder
Tay-K, the rapper behind the 2017 viral hit “The Race,” has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for the murder of San Antonio photographer Mark Saldivar.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, April 15, by a Texas jury that found the 24-year-old guilty of murder, though not capital murder, which would have carried a mandatory life sentence without parole.
This new sentence comes in addition to the 55-year term Tay-K is already serving for a separate murder conviction from a 2016 home invasion.
🧑🏽⚖️ Will the Sentences Stack?
As of now, it’s unclear whether Tay-K (real name Taymor McIntyre) will serve his sentences concurrently or consecutively — a major factor that could impact his eligibility for parole, which also remains uncertain.
Tay-K has not yet responded to the verdict, nor has his legal team confirmed whether he will appeal.
💥 What Happened?
The murder of Mark Saldivar occurred in 2017 while Tay-K was on the run from authorities, having cut off his ankle monitor while on house arrest for the previous murder case.
Key testimony came from Tay-K’s former girlfriend, Joanna Reyes, who took a plea deal and testified against him in court.
Reyes described the events leading to Saldivar’s death, claiming:
- She arranged a photoshoot between Saldivar and Tay-K.
- A confrontation broke out when Tay-K allegedly tried to rob Saldivar.
- When Saldivar resisted, a fight broke out, eventually ending with Tay-K allegedly shooting him as he clung to the car’s hood.
“He opened the door and leaned out on one leg,” Reyes told jurors. “He shot him.”
Reyes also claimed she initially stayed silent due to fear for her safety and threats from Tay-K.
🧱 A Long Road Behind Bars
Tay-K was already serving:
- 30 years for murder
- 13 years each for two counts of aggravated robbery
Those sentences are being served concurrently.
This latest sentence of 80 years now drastically shifts the scope of his incarceration, potentially locking him away for the rest of his life — unless he’s granted parole, which remains to be seen.
📬 A Shift in Mindset?
Back in 2023, Tay-K shared a prison letter reflecting on his past actions:
“I know how important leading by example is.”
That message now reads heavier in light of the new sentence.
Tay-K’s case remains one of the most high-profile legal sagas involving a rising rapper. What began as viral fame through a controversial hit has now turned into decades behind bars — and a cautionary tale on how quickly things can spiral.
Stay tuned for updates on any possible appeals or parole developments.