DA Announces Retrial for APD Officer Accused in 2022 Fatal Shooting

The Travis County DA's office will move forward with a new trial for Officer Daniel Sanchez, who was charged with deadly conduct in the death of Rajan Moonesinghe.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Travis County District Attorney's Office announced it will move forward with a retrial for Austin Police Officer Daniel Sanchez, who was accused of deadly conduct in the November 2022 fatal shooting of 33-year-old Rajan Moonesinghe. The original trial ended in a mistrial in November 2023 after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. Sanchez's new trial is scheduled for August 10, 2026.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention in the Austin community, with the Moonesinghe family still seeking justice for their son's death. The retrial will re-examine the use of force by the officer and whether it was justified in the circumstances.

The details

In November 2022, Officer Daniel Sanchez responded to a 911 call reporting Rajan Moonesinghe walking around his south Austin home with a rifle. When officers arrived, they heard gunfire. Sanchez then shot and killed Moonesinghe. The Travis County District Attorney's Office charged Sanchez with deadly conduct, alleging he used excessive force. The original trial ended in a mistrial in November 2023 after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.

  • In November 2022, Officer Sanchez shot and killed Rajan Moonesinghe.
  • In November 2023, the original trial for Sanchez ended in a mistrial.
  • On August 10, 2026, Sanchez's new trial is scheduled to begin.

The players

Daniel Sanchez

An Austin Police officer accused of deadly conduct in the 2022 fatal shooting of Rajan Moonesinghe.

Rajan Moonesinghe

A 33-year-old man who was shot and killed by Officer Sanchez in November 2022.

José Garza

The Travis County District Attorney who announced the decision to move forward with a retrial for Officer Sanchez.

Robert Leonard

The Executive Director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT), which represents Officer Sanchez.

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What they’re saying

“Our hearts continue to break for the Moonesinghe family, who are still waiting for justice for their son, Rajan.”

— José Garza, Travis County District Attorney (KXAN)

“CLEAT's legal team is poised to continue a rigorous defense of our member, and we stand by him and his family as they have endured years of unnecessary delay and agony.”

— Robert Leonard, Executive Director, Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) (KXAN)

What’s next

The judge will decide on August 10, 2026 whether to allow Officer Sanchez to stand trial again for the fatal shooting of Rajan Moonesinghe.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around police use of force and accountability, as well as the challenges in achieving justice for victims of police shootings. The retrial will re-examine the evidence and determine whether Officer Sanchez's actions were justified or constituted excessive force.