The bereaved family of Malachai Williams, the 22-year-old man shot and killed by a San Marcos police officer outside a convenience store, is demanding transparency and calling for the release of body camera footage. Williams, who was unhoused and reportedly suffering from mental health issues, was fatally shot on April 11 after allegedly brandishing knives and threatening bystanders.

According to KXAN, two individuals told police that Williams followed them from the convenience store to their home, prompting them to call 911 after he pulled out two knives and threatened them. When the police arrived, they found Williams back at the store. He fled towards a group of people with a knife visible, leading an unnamed officer to shoot him after failed attempts to use a stun gun.

Shanta Miller, Williams' mother, shared her immense grief and frustration, saying that her son "was about to start a new life and finally get a chance to pursue his musical talent," as reported by KXAN. She added, "Now he’s gone, and the police won’t even let me see his body." Williams' family held a vigil on April 25 at the San Marcos City Hall to honor his memory and call for action.

San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge addressed the incident, explaining that the department is conducting investigations alongside the Texas Rangers and the department's internal affairs. "This is not an outcome anyone wants, including us," Standridge said in a statement obtained by FOX 7 Austin. Standridge has stated the body camera footage will be released after the district attorney's decision or post-adjudication and that the officer’s identity would be disclosed following a grand jury review.