Mother and Daughter with Disabilities Identified as Victims in Austin Shooting Rampage

A shocking incident unfolded in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, leaving four people dead and three others injured. The victims have now been identified as Katherine Short, 56, and her daughter Lauren Short, 30, who both had disabilities. The Austin Police Department confirmed that the mother and daughter were found dead with gunshot wounds inside their home in the Circle C neighborhood.

According to court records, Katherine Short’s husband, who was not present at the time, called 911 after witnessing someone breaking into their home. He mentioned that his wife and daughter, who had “special needs,” were inside. The suspect responsible for their deaths, as well as the deaths of two others in Austin and his parents in Bexar County, was later identified as Shane James. Police arrested James and charged him with multiple counts of murder.

During the investigation, security camera footage from the Short family home revealed James attempting to break in while holding a pistol. The responding officer witnessed this alarming scene, leading to James’ subsequent arrest.

Neighbours in the quiet Circle C neighborhood were left in disbelief and shock by the tragic events. Robin Arnold, a mutual friend of Katherine and Lauren Short, described them as kind and mild-mannered individuals. Katherine, known as Kathy, used to volunteer at the nearby Kiker Elementary School library. Arnold, struggling to comprehend the tragedy, expressed her sorrow, stating, “I just can’t get my head around it.”

Residents in the tight-knit community of Circle C were immediately alerted when helicopters began circling the area on Wednesday evening. Cilla Parkinson, who lives a few houses away from the crime scene, took shelter with her 6-year-old son as the situation unfolded. The sound of sirens and gunshots nearby heightened their fears, prompting them to stay indoors. Parkinson described the experience as surreal, emphasizing that such incidents were unheard of in their tranquil neighborhood.

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Katherine and Lauren Short, two innocent lives tragically taken in a place where such violence is unexpected.