Authorities release more details regarding Bexar County, Austin shooting spree

According to law enforcement authorities Thursday, the man accused of killing six people and injuring three others doesn’t appear to have a connection to the Austin victims.  Austin Police identified the man as Shane James, 34, who is currently booked in the Travis County Jail.  James has been charged with capital murder of multiple people.

James was arrested Wednesday morning in connection with several homicides as well as the shootings of an Austin Independent School District officer and an Austin police officer.  According to police, both officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries in Tuesday’s shootings.

Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson said the department did not connect the shootings until after a shooting on Austral Loop just before 7 p.m. Tuesday.  According to a press release, the suspect is accused of killing two people on Shadywood Drive in south Austin and shooting an Austin Independent School officer at Northeast Early College High School on Tuesday morning.  The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office also said a suspected double homicide near San Antonio is likely to be tied to the suspect as well.

According to APD, a bicyclist riding on West Slaughter Lane in South Austin reported being shot around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, with non-life-threatening injuries.  The man who is the suspect in the other shootings is a suspect in this shooting as well, according to authorities.

An APD officer responding to a burglary call at a home on Austral Loop in southwest Austin found the suspect in the backyard just before 7 p.m. Tuesday and, the suspect allegedly fired at the officer.  APD confirms that the officer had been shot but is currently in stable condition.  Authorities confirm that two victims were found inside the home and pronounced dead at the scene.  Due to the investigation involving an officer in the shooting, police said it would release more details within 10 business days, per APD protocol.

The suspect was chased by the police after being spotted on Austral Loop and fled in a car until he crashed at the intersection of State Highway 45 and FM 1826.  At this point, officers took James into custody and confirm that he did have a gun on his person.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement saying:

 

“Texans grieve for the loved ones of the six Texans who were murdered by a hardened criminal who must never see the light of day again.  The murderer also shot two law enforcement officers on the line of duty.  Texas is a law-and-order state, and violence will never be tolerated.  We thank all state and local law enforcement and first responders who apprehended this criminal and protected communities.  The State of Texas will provide all resources necessary to impose the full weight of law on this criminal for his despicable crimes.

According to Bexar County officials, James had a previous criminal history, including a domestic violence charge in January 2022.  According to a press release, authorities responded to a call for a mental health episode at his parent’s home in August, 2023.