At a Glance
- Appeal denied in DWI case that killed 20-year-old Colton Roberts.
- Scott Taylor pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter; prior DWIs in 2000 and 2010.
- Colton’s mother placed handmade ornaments on a tree near his memorial bench at Bull Creek Park.
- Why it matters: The decision ends the legal battle for the family and underscores the consequences of repeated DWI offenses.
The court’s denial of the appeal in the DWI case that killed 20-year-old Colton Roberts in August 2021 has closed the legal chapter for his family. Scott Taylor had pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter in the crash, and his prior DWIs have been highlighted by the court. The family’s memorial efforts, including handmade ornaments at Bull Creek Park, illustrate the personal impact of the case.
Appeal Decision
The appellate court officially denied Tanya Roberts‘s appeal and discretionary review request in December. She described the outcome as a relief, saying:
> “Phew.”
Tanya Roberts stated:
> “I can’t explain strongly enough how difficult it is to be without Colton.”
Prior DWI History
Scott Taylor‘s criminal history includes:
- Misdemeanor DWI in 2000 in Travis County
- Misdemeanor DWI in 2010 in Comal County
- 2015 arrest for DWI on Taylor Draper Lane, later reduced to reckless driving and dismissed
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2021 | Crash on Jollyville Road | Intoxication manslaughter plea |
| 2015 | DWI arrest | Reckless driving charge, dismissed |
| 2000 | DWI | Misdemeanor |
| 2010 | DWI | Misdemeanor |
| Dec 2025 | Appeal denied | Final |
Memorial and Scholarship
Colton Roberts was a passionate geoscience student at UT-Dallas. The university established a scholarship in his name for aspiring geoscience scholars. He loved nature and helping others, a legacy honored by his mother’s ornaments at Bull Creek Park.
Key Takeaways
- Appeal denied, ending legal proceedings for the Roberts family.
- Scott Taylor has a documented history of multiple DWIs before the fatal crash.
- Colton Roberts‘s legacy continues through a scholarship and memorial efforts.
The decision brings a conclusion to a tragic case that has resonated within the Austin community.
