Man Arrested on Capital Murder Charges Following Deadly Shooting Spree in Austin and Bexar County

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/15920719/original/open-uri20231206-17-lm8ofb?1701898908
ICARO Media Group
Politics
06/12/2023 21h26

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A 34-year-old man, Shane James, has been arrested on capital murder charges in connection with a fatal shooting spree that took place on Tuesday in Austin and Bexar County. The Austin Police Department identified James as the suspect, and he was subsequently booked into the Travis County jail.

Interim Chief Robin Henderson revealed that James was accused of causing the deaths of two individuals on Shadywood Drive in south Austin, as well as the shooting of an Austin ISD officer at Northeast Early College High School on Tuesday morning.

Additionally, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office confirmed that James was also a suspect in a double homicide near San Antonio. The victims of that incident were identified as James' parents.

Following the series of shootings, state and local officials, as well as various agencies, responded swiftly to the tragic events. The Travis County District Attorney's Office expressed their condolences for the victims, injured officers, and affected communities. They commended the Austin Police Department, Austin Independent School District Police, Texas Department of Public Safety, the US Marshals, and the FBI for their rapid response in apprehending the dangerous suspect.

The District Attorney's Office stated that James had been charged in Travis County with multiple counts of capital murder. Once magistrated, the case will be formally received by the office for prosecution, in collaboration with other prosecutors in Bexar County. It is anticipated that James will remain in custody until the trial.

Texas officials emphasized their commitment to law and order in the wake of the tragedy. They grieved for the six victims who lost their lives due to the actions of what they described as a "hardened criminal." The officials extended their appreciation to state and local law enforcement, as well as first responders, for their unwavering dedication in apprehending the suspect and protecting their communities.

Meanwhile, Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis expressed her sympathy for the victims and their families. She also wished the injured officers and cyclist a quick recovery. Ellis acknowledged the string of gun violence as a jarring event and praised the Austin Police Department for decisively bringing it to an end.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown conveyed his condolences to the families affected by the senseless act of violence. He emphasized the need to address and decrease gun violence in the community, pledging to work towards this goal.

The investigation into the shooting spree is ongoing, and Chief of Police Henderson has assured the public that appropriate details will be provided at the right time.

The tragic events have left the Austin community in shock and mourning. As more details emerge, authorities will continue to work towards understanding the circumstances that led to the shootings. In the meantime, residents and officials are united in their determination to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related