SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – The family of an unhoused man who a San Marcos Police officer killed will hold a vigil Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at San Marcos City Hall. In a press release sent Tuesday, the family asked for greater transparency from SMPD.
Two witnesses told police that 22-year-old Malachai Williams was following them from a convenience store to their home in San Marcos on the night of April 11. The witnesses told police they did not want Williams to know where they lived, so they walked past their home.
At one point, Williams pulled out two knives with eight-inch blades and “threatened them both.” The two people ran into the home and called 911.
When Police arrived, they found Williams at the same convenience store on Cheatham Street in San Marcos. Police said Williams ran away with one knife still visible in his hand toward a group of nearly a dozen people, police said.
Officers said they attempted twice to deploy stun guns but that they were unsuccessful. A pursuing officer, whom SMPD has not named, shot Williams. He was then taken to Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle where he was pronounced dead, per SMPD.
Police said the stun gun probes likely did not connect because both the officer and Williams were quickly running.
Williams’ family said that he was an intelligent, funny man who was dealing with mental health issues. His mother, Shanta Miller said she was getting ready to take him to a psychiatrist and to find a new home next month.
“He was about to start a new life and finally get a chance to pursue his musical talent. Now he’s gone, and the police won’t even let me see his body,” Miller was quoted saying in a press release.
The officer who shot Williams was wearing a body-worn camera. SMPD said since the incident is still being investigated, it will not release the footage until the investigation has concluded.
Wiliams’ grandfather, Pastor Wayne Miller, said he wished the police would be more transparent so that his family can have closure.
“Give us access to what we need in order to say you are justifiable in what you did. Or if you should be punished for what you did. No one is above the law and no one is under the law,” he said.