Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tay-K

Public opinion and media debates around Tay-K—discover key moments of controversy.

Tay-K, or Taymor Travon McIntyre, is an American rapper and convicted murderer known primarily for his 2017 hit song "The Race." The song, which charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved platinum status, gained notoriety due to its lyrics detailing McIntyre's criminal activities and subsequent real-world manhunt leading to his arrest. He is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence.

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Full Timeline Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 1, 2016: Involvement in Shooting of Sara Mutschlechner

On January 1, 2016, after a New Year's Eve event, Tay-K was present when Eric "Santana Sage" Johnson shot and killed Sara Mutschlechner following an argument.

January 2016: Named Bystander in Murder Case

In January 2016, Tay-K was identified as a bystander in a murder case that resulted in the conviction of one of his bandmates.

July 2016: Arrested on Capital Murder Charges

In July 2016, Tay-K and six others were arrested on capital murder charges related to the death of Ethan Walker during a home invasion.

July 26, 2016: Details of Home Invasion Conspiracy

On July 26, 2016, details emerged about how Megan Holt and Ariana Bharrat conspired with Tay-K to rob Zachary Beloate, leading to the fatal shooting of Ethan Walker.

2016: Involvement in Home Invasion

In 2016, Tay-K was implicated in a home invasion and robbery that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Ethan Walker.

March 2017: Flees House Arrest

In March 2017, while under house arrest, Tay-K cut off his ankle monitor and went on the run from the authorities.

March 27, 2017: Flees House Arrest

On March 27, 2017, Tay-K and Jalen Bell cut off their ankle monitors and fled to San Antonio, Texas. He posted a message on Twitter before fleeing.

April 23, 2017: Alleged Shooting of Mark Anthony Saldivar

On April 23, 2017, while on the run, Tay-K allegedly shot and killed Mark Anthony Saldivar during a robbery outside of a Chick-fil-A in San Antonio, Texas, leading to further legal challenges.

September 14, 2017: WorldStarHipHop releases "Coolin"

On September 14, 2017, WorldStarHipHop released "Coolin", but Tay-K's official Twitter account stated it was a leak and not the official release.

October 3, 2017: Additional Capital Murder Charges

On October 3, 2017, additional capital murder charges were added to Tay-K's case, related to the shooting in San Antonio. He was held on $500,000 bail at the time.

2017: Release and Popularity of "The Race"

In 2017, Tay-K's song "The Race" peaked at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and received platinum certification. The lyrics, which detailed criminal activity, gained popularity after a nationwide manhunt for Tay-K's arrest.

2017: Alleged Second Murder

In 2017, while on the run, Tay-K allegedly shot and killed 23-year-old Mark Anthony Saldivar, leading to a second murder charge.

February 2018: Bail Revoked

In February 2018, Tay-K's bail of $500,000 was revoked.

February 2018: Accomplice Sentenced

In February 2018, one of Tay-K's accomplices, an unnamed minor, was sentenced to twenty years in prison for capital murder and aggravated robbery. Also in February 2018, Megan Holt pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and agreed to testify against her co-defendants in exchange for a 20-year sentence.

May 10, 2018: Music removed from Spotify playlists

On May 10, 2018, Tay-K's management team claimed that his music, alongside XXXTentacion and R. Kelly, was removed from playlists sponsored or curated by Spotify as part of the platform's "Hate Content & Hateful Conduct" policy.

May 2018: Accomplice Sentenced to Life

In May 2018, Latharian Merritt was sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of capital murder in connection to Tay-K's case.

June 2018: Wrongful death lawsuit filed by Saldivar's family

In June 2018, the family of Mark Saldivar, a victim of the San Antonio shooting, filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking more than $1 million in damages from McIntyre.

August 2, 2018: Charged with possession of a prohibited item

On August 2, 2018, while in jail, McIntyre was charged with possession of a prohibited item after a mobile phone was found hidden in his sock during a search.

August 2018: Accomplices Sentenced

In August 2018, Ariana Bharrat pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Also in August 2018, Sean Robinson pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 40 years in prison for their involvement with Tay-K.

November 2018: Jalen Bell Sentenced

In November 2018, Jalen Bell (Pimpyz), Tay-K's last accomplice, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery charges and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

March 1, 2019: Reports of forming a prison gang

On March 1, 2019, reports surfaced that McIntyre was allegedly forming a prison gang called the Rug Ratz, affiliated with the Crips, leading to his placement in solitary confinement after a tip to a warden. The Rug Ratz was reportedly named after the Nickelodeon animated series of the same name.

May 2, 2019: Skip Pepe files lawsuit against McIntyre and labels

On May 2, 2019, Skip Pepe and his wife filed a lawsuit against McIntyre, his former manager Ezra Averill, and labels 88 Classic and RCA Records, alleging they profited from McIntyre's violent crimes.

July 15, 2019: Guilty Plea for Aggravated Robbery

On July 15, 2019, the first day of his trial, Tay-K pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated robbery in the Mansfield home invasion case.

July 2019: Guilty Verdict and Sentencing

In July 2019, Tay-K was found guilty of murder for his involvement in the 2016 home invasion and sentenced to 55 years in prison.

July 19, 2019: Conviction for Murder and Robbery

On July 19, 2019, Tay-K was found guilty of murder and a third count of aggravated robbery, facing up to 99 years in prison. His song "The Race" was presented as evidence.

July 23, 2019: Sentencing

On July 23, 2019, Tay-K received a sentence of 55 years for murder, 30 years for one count of aggravated robbery, and 26 years for the remaining two counts of aggravated robbery, to be served concurrently. He was fined $21,000 and will be eligible for parole after 28 years.

August 2019: Extradition to Bexar County

In August 2019, Tay-K was extradited to the Bexar County Jail to await trial for the Mark Saldivar murder case.

November 2019: Indicted on Second Murder Charge

In November 2019, Tay-K was indicted on a second murder charge for allegedly shooting Mark Anthony Saldivar in 2017.

November 2019: Indictment for Capital Murder

In November 2019, a Bexar County grand jury indicted Tay-K for capital murder in the Mark Saldivar case.

November 23, 2019: Tweets by Family Member

On November 23, 2019, a family member of Tay-K, against his manager's wishes, used his Twitter account to express dissatisfaction with his contract and communication, promising to reveal the truth about his life and character.