A complex investigation has been launched after six people were found dead across two major cities in Texas. Suspect Shane James, 34, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with capital murder charges in connection with the deaths of four people in Austin. James is also accused of killing his parents Phyllis James, 55, and Shane Matthew James Sr, 56 at their home in San Antonio.
He was taken into custody after crashing his car while fleeing police following a shootout with an officer who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson told reporters. Ms Henderson said the suspect was tied to a “series of violent incidents” that began on Tuesday morning and continued through the evening. Police did not specify the cause of death for the four victims in Austin, but said three others were injured in shootings.
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On Wednesday, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said that James was arrested in January 2022 and charged with three misdemeanours for family assault after allegedly attacking a sibling and both his parents. The family reportedly told authorities that James did not belong in jail because he suffered from severe mental health issues.
In Bexar County, about 80 miles south from Austin, Sheriff Javier Salazar said his agency got a call from Austin police at about 7.45pm about a shooting. He said the man they had in custody had links to a residence east of San Antonio, where two officers were sent. Mr James’ parents Phyllis James, 55, and Shane Matthew James Sr, 56, were found dead in the house. Mr Salazar said that the San Antonio crime scene was “grisly” but did not elaborate on how the victims were killed.
“We strongly believe one suspect is responsible for all of the incidents,” Robin Henderson, Austin interim police chief, said at a news conference Tuesday night. She said that police “did not determine that these incidents were connected until the last incident occurred” Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said that James was arrested in January 2022 and charged with three misdemeanours for family assault after allegedly attacking a sibling and both his parents. The family reportedly told authorities that James did not belong in jail because he suffered from severe mental health issues.
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“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the Austin ISD police officer who was shot near Northeast Early College High School today,” Abbott said in a statement on Tuesday. “Our ISD police officers play a critical role on keeping Texas students and school faculty safe. The State of Texas is offering all available resources to local law enforcement partners who are working to ensure this dangerous criminal is caught and brought to justice.”
