A 34-year-old individual was arrested on Tuesday night after shootings at five different places in Central and South Texas. The attacks led to six deaths and three injuries.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar confirmed that the suspect’s parents, Phyllis James, 55, and Shane James Sr., 56, were among the victims. Sheriff Salazar also highlighted the individual’s history of mental illness, providing insight into the suspect.
Let’s take a look at what we’ve learned about the suspect:
In 2022, Shane James was put in jail for assaulting his parents and sibling.
On January 6, 2022, authorities arrested Shane James at his family’s residence in Bexar County, following allegations of assaulting his parents and another sibling, according to Sheriff Salazar. The next day, James was booked into the Bexar County jail on three misdemeanor assault charges.
Approximately a week later, a victim’s advocate, in contact with the family, advocated for James’ release, highlighting his history of mental health issues. According to Sheriff Salazar, there was a change in his bond requirements toward the end of the month that might have allowed him to go home as long as he had no harmful interactions with his family.
Shane James was released from jail on March 7, but the following day, he violated the terms of his probation by cutting off his ankle monitor. Subsequently, a warrant for his arrest was reissued on March 9.
Deputies Called to Shane James’ Home Months Before San Antonio-Area Shooting, Sheriff Says
In August 2023, more than a year later, Shane James still faced three active arrest warrants. Deputies were called to the family’s residence during one of his mental health episodes. Upon their arrival, deputies informed James’ father about the active warrants, emphasizing that James needed to go with them.
In an upper bedroom, James was found lying in bed with his door shut. His father was able to force the door open slightly, allowing deputies to peer inside and request him to come out. Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, Sheriff Salazar mentioned that James hid behind the door and insulted the deputies.
To apprehend James, deputies chose to leave and requested James’ father to inform them if his son left the room. Unfortunately, the call from him never came.
Sheriff Salazar expressed, “I wish we could have taken him into custody. However, it’s presumptive to say that arresting him that day would have prevented this incident.” He added, “Chances are, he would have already served his time and been out by this time, anyway.”
Texas Organizing Project’s Bail for Shane James: A Statement on Recent Events and a Commitment to Justice Reform
The organization that aided in James’s release from custody last year has issued a statement condemning the shootings and extending sympathies to the victims.
The Texas Organizing Project disclosed that they posted bail for him on misdemeanor charges when he faced $300 in bond fees. This was done in collaboration with the public defender’s office in Bexar County.
“We acknowledge the anguish and suffering this occurrence has caused, and the circumstances that have transpired are tragic. We take our obligations seriously and understand that we need to deal with this tragedy’s immediate effects as well as the larger picture of our bail program,” the statement said.
The organization, through its ‘Right2Justice’ campaign, is working to end mass incarceration and challenge the criminalization of poverty in Black and Latino communities across four major Texas counties. Research indicates that many individuals in incarceration are there due to an inability to pay bail. In 2021, the project amassed over $1 million for its bail fund.
At the time, James met the eligibility criteria set by the organization. However, since March 2022, there has been no communication between TOP and James. The organization acknowledges the limitations of their assessments in predicting future actions, stating, ‘We are committed to conducting a thorough internal examination of our program and procedures.’
Shane James: Military Discharge and History of Mental Illness Revealed
According to what his relatives told the police, Shane James has a history of mental illness. Serving as an infantry officer in the American Army from February 2013 to August 2015, James held the rank of first lieutenant.
Despite not completing his contractual obligations, the details surrounding his departure remain undisclosed, citing Army privacy guidelines.
In 2015, James was discharged from the military following a domestic violence incident, the specifics of which are still under investigation by the sheriff’s office, according to Salazar.
Bexar County Homicide Precedes Austin Shootings; Shane James Faces Capital Murder Charges
During the investigation, Sheriff Salazar reported that the shooting at the James residence occurred between 10 p.m. on Monday and 9 a.m. on Tuesday. However, he could not specify the exact hour. By 9 a.m., a neighbor observed the elder James’ car missing from the driveway.
Sheriff Salazar highlighted the use of a high-caliber firearm, resulting in the discharge of numerous bullets.
According to records from Travis County, Austin police took Shane James into custody at 1:32 a.m. on Wednesday. He is currently facing charges of two misdemeanors and capital murder. Austin Police anticipate additional charges in the Shane James case. Furthermore, he was booked for an unfiled domestic violence warrant related to an assault with injuries.
