On April 7, 2025, in a courtroom filled with tension, Joanna Reyes, the ex-girlfriend of rapper Tay K, delivered explosive testimony that could significantly alter the trajectory of his already troubled life. Reyes, who had been a key figure during one of the most tumultuous periods in hip-hop history, took the stand in TK’s second murder trial, where she implicated him in the 2017 shooting death of photographer Mark Salivar outside a Chick-fil-A. Her testimony not only shattered any semblance of defense that TK might have had but also painted a chilling picture of the events leading to the murder.
During her emotional testimony, Reyes recounted how a planned photo shoot quickly devolved into a robbery attempt that turned fatal. She described how TK, whose real name is Tamor McIntyre, brandished a gun and demanded Salivar’s belongings. When Salivar refused, Reyes testified that TK and his associates became violent, physically attacking the photographer. The courtroom was silent as she shared the horrifying detail of TK allegedly shooting Salivar, a claim that contradicts the narrative pushed by some of TK’s supporters that he was not the shooter.
The gravity of Reyes’s statements was compounded by her admission that she had been involved in the events leading up to the murder. Not only did she drive the car during the ill-fated robbery, but she also facilitated the meeting with Salivar. Her testimony included a disturbing account of how, after the shooting, TK’s friend Jaylen Bell celebrated the act, congratulating him with the words, “You caught your first body.” Such details have left a lasting impression on jurors, complicating any defense strategy.
Reyes’s emotional breakdown on the stand revealed the personal stakes involved in her testimony. She had entered into a plea deal, which offered her 10 years of probation in exchange for her cooperation, drastically reducing her potential sentence. This realization raises questions about the motivations behind her testimony—was it an act of betrayal fueled by self-preservation, or was it a genuine attempt to bring justice to Salivar’s family? Reyes claimed she initially refrained from speaking out due to fears for her safety, alleging that TK had threatened her and her family.
For TK, who is already serving a 55-year sentence for a previous murder conviction, this latest case could lead to life without parole. His legal team is now focused on challenging Reyes’s credibility, arguing that her testimony is tainted by the plea deal she accepted. They contend that her desire for leniency may have influenced her narrative, particularly after years of silence.
The dynamics of the criminal justice system play a crucial role in this case. Observers have noted the disparities in treatment between TK and Reyes, with the latter facing significantly lighter consequences despite her involvement in the crime. Critics argue that this highlights systemic inequities, particularly concerning race and gender. TK’s uncle has publicly expressed concerns about the harsh treatment of young Black men in the Texas justice system, suggesting that TK’s notoriety may have contributed to the severity of his sentences.
As the trial progresses, social media has erupted with commentary on Reyes’s testimony. Some view her as a traitor to the street code, while others argue she is simply recounting the truth of a tragic event. The ultimate outcome of this trial will likely hinge on whether the jury believes Reyes’s account of the events that fateful day.
The implications of Reyes’s testimony extend far beyond the courtroom. For TK, it represents a potentially fatal blow to his hopes of freedom, further entrenching him in a narrative of betrayal and complicity that has come to define his story. As he sits in court, the weight of his past choices and the chilling words of his former partner loom large. The path ahead is fraught with uncertainty, and the stakes could not be higher for the young rapper, who remains at a crossroads between a life of incarceration and the possibility of redemption.