AUSTIN, Texas – The case of Shane James, Jr., accused of a deadly rampage in December 2023, has taken a new turn as charges have been filed in both Travis and Bexar counties. The question now arises as to which county will take the lead in the prosecution.
During a recent court hearing in Austin, it was revealed that James is facing charges of capital murder after allegedly killing six individuals and injuring three others. The tragic events unfolded with the killing of James’ parents in Bexar County, followed by a shooting spree in Austin that claimed the lives of four more victims on December 5, 2023.
Despite the gravity of the charges against him, James did not appear in court for the brief status hearing, remaining instead at the Travis County Jail. His appointed lawyer, Russ Hunt, Jr., disclosed that Bexar County had filed charges against James two weeks prior, adding complexity to the legal proceedings.
With both counties involved in the case, Judge Clifford A. Brown expressed the need for clarity on which jurisdiction would take the lead in the prosecution. According to Hunt, Bexar County has signaled a preference for Travis County to lead the way, prompting a series of decisions to determine the course of the trial.
The issue of whether the death penalty will be pursued in this case remains unresolved, as Hunt expressed a preference for a negotiated outcome over a trial. As investigations continue and evidence is exchanged between the counties, the next court hearing for James is scheduled for August 20.
Prosecutors from the Travis County District Attorney’s Office refrained from commenting to reporters following the hearing, citing the sensitivity of the case. Meanwhile, family members of the victims present in court opted not to provide any statements to the media, underscoring the emotional toll of the tragedy.
As legal proceedings in the case unfold, the communities in both Travis and Bexar counties await further developments in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the devastating rampage allegedly carried out by Shane James, Jr.