APD Officer Faces Trial for Fatal Shooting in South Austin: Attorney Comments

Austin Police Officer Gears Up for Trial Over Fatal Shooting

In the latest development concerning the 2022 fatal shooting in south Austin, the attorney representing the responsible Austin police officer has confirmed they are prepping for trial. Officer Daniel Sanchez, who shot and killed Rajan Moonesinghe, is facing a deadly conduct charge and had a hearing on Thursday, June 20.

A Quick but Consequential Hearing

The hearing was brief, focusing on the preparation for the forthcoming trial. Sanchez’s attorney said that they are still in the process of gathering discovery for the case in hopes of it going to trial before the end of the year. The case will be revisited by the attorneys once again in August.

“Absolutely We’re Going to Take This to Trial”

In a firm commentary, Brad Heilman, Sanchez’s attorney, affirmed their resolve to take the case to trial. This comes in light of the unfortunate incident in November 2022, where Officer Sanchez fatally shot 30-year-old Moonesinghe. The incident started when the authorities received a call about a man pointing a rifle down the street. Upon arrival, officers allegedly saw Moonesinghe shooting into his own home, leading Sanchez to open fire.

Austin Police Criticized for Prioritizing Shooting Over De-escalation

Mark Moonesinghe, the victim’s brother, criticized Austin police in June 2023 for their alleged tendency to shoot first and deescalate later. He demanded an improvement in their conduct to better safeguard the sanctity of human life. Despite this, Heilman staunchly defended his client’s actions, arguing that Mr. Moonesinghe posed a threat to the neighborhood by firing his weapon. He stated that Officer Sanchez had no other choice but to use deadly force to guarantee the safety of himself and the surrounding residents.

Officer Faces Indictment

In the aftermath of the incident, a grand jury in December 2023 indicted Sanchez on a third-degree felony deadly conduct charge. Heilman responded by saying that an indictment was expected and it does not change his approach to the case.

Moonesinghe Family Calls for Justice While Officer Sanchez Remains on Duty

Meanwhile, as the Moonesinghe family continues to wait for justice, Officer Sanchez remains employed by the Austin Police Department, currently serving on administrative duty. Alongside his attorney, he hopes to return to active duty at the earliest possible opportunity.

Upcoming Trials and Hearings

Sanchez’s team aims to put the case on the jury trial docket before the year’s end. The subsequent hearing regarding the case is set for August 6.