Editor’s note: This video is taken from our coverage of a preview of this experience.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The trial of APD Officer Daniel Sanchez, who faces a deadly conduct charge related to a 2022 fatal shooting in South Austin, began with opening statements Thursday morning.
Sanchez shot and killed 33-year-old Rajan Munisingh while responding to a 911 call about Munisingh wandering around his house with a rifle.
In December of 2023, a grand jury indicted Sanchez on a charge of deadly conduct in connection with the shooting.
Moonesinghe was a technology entrepreneur in Austin. His mother, Ruth, described him as “the best of us all.”
What happened the night of the shooting?
When officers arrived on South Third Street, they heard gunshots while still in their patrol car, police said.
“The two officers who then arrived drove by the residence. The two officers exited their vehicle and sought cover while Mr. Munising, who was standing on the porch, continued to fire his gun,” police said.
The officers gave orders to drop the gun, and Sanchez shot him immediately afterward.
You can watch police body camera video of the shooting here.
APD previously said Sanchez acted in accordance with his training and that the department “will continue to support him.”
Lawyers’ arguments
During opening statements, prosecutor Rob Drummond opened by saying Munising’s last words were “It wasn’t me,” and that he was not under arrest or trying to hurt anyone when Sanchez shot him.
Drummond also said Sanchez fired his first shot within a tenth of a second of asking Munising to drop the gun. After firing the first round of three shots, Munisinghe fell, backed away from the gun, and raised his hands, the state said.
Sanchez’s attorney, Brad Hillman, opened by saying officers have a difficult job and are often faced with dangerous situations. Regarding this shooting, Hillman stated that Sanchez perceived a deadly threat and acted in accordance with his training.
The defense revealed that the autopsy report showed that Munising had cocaine in his system and that his blood alcohol level was at 0.33.
“This is a dangerous situation,” he said.
KXAN will update this story as court proceedings continue.