In a shocking turn of events, new surveillance footage has surfaced that significantly impacts the case against rapper Tamar McIntyre, known as Tay K, who is currently serving an 80-year prison sentence for murder. The footage, revealed during court proceedings, allegedly shows McIntyre’s involvement in the murder of 23-year-old photographer Mark Anthony Salavar, further complicating the narrative surrounding his criminal history.

The video captured by security cameras in a Chick-fil-A parking lot presents a harrowing scene where Salavar can be seen clinging to the hood of a vehicle before being thrown off as the car speeds away, leaving his lifeless body behind. This chilling visual evidence played a pivotal role in securing McIntyre’s conviction, highlighting the cold-blooded nature of the crime. The San Antonio Police Department released the footage, which was enhanced by the Regional Organized Crime Organization Center in Nashville, making it clear that McIntyre was at the scene of the crime.

Testimony from key witnesses, including Joanna Reyes, who claimed to be McIntyre’s girlfriend at the time, described the events leading up to Salavar’s death. She recounted how a planned photo shoot turned into a robbery, during which McIntyre allegedly pulled a gun on Salavar and demanded his bag. When Salavar refused to cooperate, the situation escalated violently, culminating in his death. Reyes’s testimony included a disturbing detail about McIntyre’s associates celebrating the killing, with one reportedly saying, “You caught your first body.”

Despite the gravity of the evidence, McIntyre’s defense team attempted to discredit Reyes, suggesting her motivations for testifying were influenced by a plea deal that offered her a reduced sentence in exchange for her cooperation. However, the jury ultimately found McIntyre guilty of murder, though not capital murder, in April 2025.

The case against McIntyre extends beyond the Salavar incident. It traces back to a 2016 home invasion in Mansfield, Texas, where 21-year-old Ethan Walker was killed. Although McIntyre did not fire the fatal shot, Texas law holds that anyone involved in a crime that results in death can be charged with murder. The prosecution depicted McIntyre as an active participant in a violent crime wave that included multiple charges over the years, contributing to his lengthy prison sentence.

McIntyre’s rise in the rap industry was marked by a paradoxical blend of musical success and escalating criminal activity. His breakout hit, “The Race,” became a viral sensation in 2017, coinciding with his time as a fugitive following the home invasion charges. The track’s lyrics, which candidly reflected his legal troubles, surprisingly resonated with audiences and led to significant commercial success.

However, the intersection of McIntyre’s music and his legal issues has sparked debate over the implications of “self-snitching” in hip-hop culture. Critics argue that artists like McIntyre often share details of their criminal activities in their work, which can be used against them in court. This phenomenon raises questions about artistic expression and whether lyrics should be admissible as evidence in legal proceedings.

As McIntyre continues to serve his sentence, the legal community and music industry watch closely, reflecting on the broader implications of his case. The juxtaposition of artistic expression and criminal accountability remains a contentious topic, particularly in a genre that celebrates authenticity and street narratives. The outcome of McIntyre’s case serves as a cautionary tale for artists navigating the fine line between their creative endeavors and the law.