Family members press San Marcos City Council for action after officer‑involved shooting

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Dozens of speakers during the citizen comment period at Tuesday’s San Marcos City Council meeting urged officials to take action after the April 11, 2024, police shooting that killed 22‑year‑old Malachi Williams.

Family members and community advocates described Williams as a young man with ambitions and called for accountability for the officer involved, identified in public remarks as Achilles Ventura. Speakers repeatedly said the officer remains on the force and has received public recognition since the incident; they called that recognition an insult to the family and urged investigation or administrative action.

Miriam Williams, who identified herself as Malachi Williams’ sister, told council that her brother “did not deserve to die in an H E B parking lot” and asked officials to “look into this further and not let bad officers continue to give good officers bad names.” She said the family is seeking justice through public awareness and by engaging the council.

Shay Dixon, who identified herself as a family member, said the officer “has not only remained in his position but since been publicly recognized for a fitness award,” calling it “an insult” and “a painful reminder” to the family. “This is not about revenge, this is about accountability and justice,” Dixon said.

Other speakers echoed concerns about the department’s handling of the case, including questions about whether officers rendered medical aid and whether the department’s public statements accurately portrayed the incident. Sam Benavides urged council to weigh the significance of an officer unholstering a gun and asked what the city is doing to hold the department accountable for public messaging. Wayne Miller, who identified himself as a grandfather of Malachi Williams, asked the council to “check out the videos” and “call in chief Standridge and investigate.”

What council can do: Councilmembers and staff did not take immediate disciplinary action during the meeting; citizen comment is not a forum for council to conduct investigations. Several council members later said they had been briefed or were aware of prior public statements and asked staff about appropriate next steps, including whether administrative review and internal investigations were ongoing and how the family could obtain additional information.

Community context: Multiple speakers also tied their calls for accountability to broader concerns about police conduct and mental‑health responses in policing. Speakers asked that the council use its oversight authority to seek answers and expressed frustration with the pace of investigations and public explanations.

What was requested: Family members and community advocates asked the council to (1) seek independent review or additional investigation, (2) request transparent public reporting about department policies and the specific incident, and (3) consider whether administrative or personnel actions are warranted. Council members acknowledged the seriousness of the requests and said staff would document the speakers’ concerns and advise council on procedural options.

Quote: “My brother Malachi deserved better and we deserve justice now,” Shay Dixon said in public comment.