Texas shooting spree: Young mother and handyman named among six victims in Austin

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.

Police identified two of the victims killed in Austin as 24-year-old Sabrina Rahman and Emmanuel Pop Ba, 32.

A friend of Pop Ba told The Austin-American Stateman that he was sitting inside a car when the gunman opened fire on him. Pop Ba was helping that friend move to their new home.

Rahman’s uncle Marshall Hussain also told the outlet that his niece was struck by gunfire as she was walking her baby in a stroller.

“She did her last act to push the child away,” Mr Hussain said.

James, who has a history of mental health issues and was discharged from the Army due to a domestic violence incident, was taken into custody after crashing his car while fleeing police following a shootout with an officer who suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

Key points

• Victims in Bexar County are suspect’s parents

• Suspect identified after six people killed in multi-city Texas ‘shooting spree’

• Shane James had history of mental health issues, police say

Six dead and three injured in Texas murder spree

Wednesday 6 December 2023 13:38 , Associated Press

A daylong series of attacks in Austin has left four people dead and at least three injured, and a man believed to be connected to them and the deaths of two people near San Antonio was taken into custody, Texas authorities said.

The dead were found in several homes. The injured included two police officers and a bicyclist, police said.

The man, who is in his 30s, was charged with capital murder, Robin Henderson, Austin interim police chief, said at a news conference Tuesday night. His name has not been released.

“We strongly believe one suspect is responsible for all of the incidents," Henderson said of the Austin attacks. She said that police “did not determine that these incidents were connected until the last incident occurred” Tuesday night.

Read more:

Suspect in custody after 6 dead and 3 injured in series of attacks in Texas, authorities say

Timeline of the alleged murders

Wednesday 6 December 2023 13:50 , Megan Sheets

Police offered a brief timeline of the alleged Tuesday murders at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

10.45am - Austin independent school district police officer shot and injured

~12pm - Man and woman were found dead in home

~5pm - Male cyclist shot and injured

~7pm - Two people found dead at home after burglary call. One officer responding to the call is subsequently injured in shootout with suspect

7.15pm - Suspect crashes car and is arrested

~7.45pm - San Antonio police approach home linked to suspect and find two people deceased inside

What was the connection between the suspect and the victims?

Wednesday 6 December 2023 14:09 , Andrea Blanco

The man, who is in his 30s, was charged with capital murder, Robin Henderson, Austin interim police chief, said at a news conference Tuesday night. His name has not been released.

Police said the man, who was not hit, drove away and police pursued him.

He crashed at about 7.15pm at a highway intersection and was taken into custody. The man had a gun, Henderson said.

The relationship between the man and the victims, if any, wasn’t immediately known, Henderson said.

How did the first two victims die?

Wednesday 6 December 2023 14:21 , Andrea Blanco

Robin Henderson, Austin interim police chief, declined to elaborate on how the fatal victims in the killing spree were murdered.

Authroities arrived at the location of the first criem scene in San Antonio after a bystander placed a 911 call.

“I believe they saw water coming out of the residence, appearing as if something was leaking inside,” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said, accoridng to Spectrum News. “Two people were found dead in the house, but Salazar didn’t say how they died.

Suspect arrested in Austin after six people killed in multi-city Texas ‘shooting spree’

Wednesday 6 December 2023 14:32 , Andrea Blanco

A suspect has been arrested after a series of shootings across Texas that have killed six and left three other injured.

The suspect, who is reportedly in his 30s, is facing capital murder charges, police said.

The Independent’s Kelly Rissman reports:

Suspect arrested in Austin after six killed in multi-city Texas ‘shooting spree’

One suspect responsible for all attacks, police say

Wednesday 6 December 2023 14:57 , Andrea Blanco

The dead were found in several homes.

The injured included two police officers and a bicyclist, police said.

Robin Henderson, Austin interim police chief, said his name would not be immeidately released at a news conference Tuesday night.

“We strongly believe one suspect is responsible for all of the incidents,” Henderson said of the Austin attacks.

She said that police “did not determine that these incidents were connected until the last incident occurred” Tuesday night.

Officer wounded in Austin shooting is in stable condition

Wednesday 6 December 2023 15:37 , Andrea Blanco

The Austin Police Department Officer who was shot when the suspect in a killing spree that left six dead opened fired at a high school is expected to recover.

A cyclist who was also wounded in the eight-hour attack is also in stable condition, police said.

Footage of the confrontation between the suspect and APD officers is expected to be released within the next 10 days, KVUE reports.

How did the attacks unfold?

Wednesday 6 December 2023 15:56 , Andrea Blanco

ADP Interim CHief Henderson provided a timeline, saying an Austin independent school district police officer was shot and injured about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday.

Then about noon, a man and a woman were found dead in a home. Another shooting happened shortly before 5 p.m., when a male cyclist suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police responding around 7 p.m. to a call of a burglary in progress at another home later found two people dead there.

Henderson didn’t say how the four people died.

During the last call, an Austin police officer saw a man in the back yard. The man shot at the officer and the officer returned fire, Henderson said. The officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital. The officer was listed in stable condition.

Police said the man, who was not hit, drove away and police pursued him. He crashed at about 7:15 p.m. at a highway intersection and was taken into custody. The man had a gun, Henderson said.

Law enforcement did not know shootings in San Antonio in Austin were connected before arrest

Wednesday 6 December 2023 15:58 , Andrea Blanco

“I want to emphasize that APD and other law enforcement did not determine that these incidents were connected until the last incident occurred tonight after the male suspect was taken into custody,” ADP Interim CHief Henderson said during a press conference early on Wednesday.

IN PICTURES: Killing spree left six people dead in San Antonio and Austin

Wednesday 6 December 2023 16:43 , Andrea Blanco

Couple in their 50s first victims killed by suspect, police say

Wednesday 6 December 2023 17:44 , Andrea Blanco

The first two victims were found deceased in a small room in a residence in San Antonio.

Authorities have not released their identities, their cause of death, or what relationship, if any, they had with the suspect.

It is only known that they were a couple in their 50s.

“I believe they saw water coming out of the residence, appearing as if something was leaking inside,” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said. “Two people were found dead in the house, but Salazar didn’t say how they died.

Second double homicide happened in South Austin

Wednesday 6 December 2023 18:15 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities responded to a .home at the 7300 block of Shadywood Drive in South Austin at around noon on Tuesday.

They found two people killed at the home.

The suspect engaged in a shootout with police after a burglary was reported at a home in the 5300 block of Austral Loop. Two other victims were found dead inside.

Travis County District Attorney’s Office condemns violence

Wednesday 6 December 2023 18:45 , Andrea Blanco

“Our hearts break for the shooting victims, injured officers, their families, and our communities impacted by yesterday’s senseless and tragic gun violence,” District Attorney José Garza’s office said in a statement to NBC.

How did the first two victims die?

Wednesday 6 December 2023 19:24 , Andrea Blanco

Robin Henderson, Austin interim police chief, declined to elaborate on how the fatal victims in the killing spree were murdered.

Authroities arrived at the location of the first criem scene in San Antonio after a bystander placed a 911 call.

“I believe they saw water coming out of the residence, appearing as if something was leaking inside,” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said, accoridng to Spectrum News. “Two people were found dead in the house, but Salazar didn’t say how they died.

Shane James identified as suspect

Wednesday 6 December 2023 19:39 , Megan Sheets

The Austin Police Department has identified 34-year-old Shane James as the suspect in Tuesday’s killing spree.

Police released Mr James’ name and booking photo on X on Wednesday afternoon.

Governor Abbot releases statement reacting to shooting near high school

Wednesday 6 December 2023 20:00 , Andrea Blanco

“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. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in praying for the officer’s swift recovery and the entire Northeast Early College High School community.”

A map of the attacks on Tuesday

Wednesday 6 December 2023 20:50 , Andrea Blanco

Victims in Bexar County are suspect’s parents

Wednesday 6 December 2023 23:09 , Andrea Blanco

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.

“I believe they saw water coming out of the residence, appearing as if something was leaking inside,” Sheriff Salazar said.

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.

“Nobody deserves to die the way we believe that they died,” the sheriff said. “This is a very quiet family. The gentleman that lives in the home, he’s very involved in the community, in the neighbourhood watch.”

Sheriff Salazar said it’s believed the deaths in the home happened sometime between 10pm on Monday, when a sibling of Mr James last spoke with their parents, and 9am on Tuesday, when a neighbour noticed James’ vehicle was not in the driveway.

Sheriff Salazar has asked neighbours to check their doorbell cameras to help authorities establish a more clear timeline.

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Shootings in Texas and Nevada

Wednesday 6 December 2023 23:41 , Andrea Blanco

“Yesterday, in Austin and San Antonio, at least six people were killed and several more injured by a gunman—leaving families devastated, and communities forever changed. And just hours ago, the University of Nevada at Las Vegas became the latest college campus to be terrorized by a horrific act of gun violence, and the community is still awaiting information on casualties.

“Jill and I join citizens across our nation in praying for the families of our fallen, and for those who were injured during these latest acts of senseless violence. We are also grateful for the courageous work of law enforcement—who risked their own safety to bring an end to these deadly shooting sprees.

“Federal law enforcement officials are on the ground working with State and local law enforcement in both states and I have directed that all necessary support be provided to assist in the investigations and support these communities.This year alone, our nation has experienced more than 600 mass shootings, and approximately 40,000 deaths due to gun violence.

“This is not normal, and we can never let it become normal.For all the action we have taken since I’ve been President, the epidemic of gun violence we face demands that we do even more.

“But we cannot do more without Congress. Republican lawmakers must join with Democrats in Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, pass a national red flag law, enact universal background checks, require the safe storage of guns, and advance other commonsense measures that will help stem the tide of gun violence. And together, we must do more to prevent more families, and more communities like Austin, San Antonio, and Las Vegas, from being ripped apart by gun violence.”

Man, woman killed in South Austin: APD

Thursday 7 December 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Gov Abbot message to Texans after shooting spree

Thursday 7 December 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco

“Texans grieve for the loved ones of the six Texans who were murdered by a hardened criminal who must never see the light of day again. The murderer also shot two law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Texas is a law-and-order state, and violence will never be tolerated.

“We thank all state and local law enforcement and first responders who apprehended this criminal and protected their communities.

“The State of Texas will provide all resources necessary to impose the full weight of law on this criminal for his despicable crimes.

“Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in lifting up in prayer the families and loved ones of those who were killed, as well as the Texans who are recovering from injuries, including an Austin Police Officer and an Austin Independent School District police officer.

Suspect identified after six people killed in multi-city Texas ‘shooting spree’

Thursday 7 December 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco

A suspect has been named in a series of apparent murders and shootings that left six people dead and three others injured across two major Texas cities.

Shane James, 34, is facing capital murder charges, police said.

He was linked to the deaths of four people on Tuesday in Austin, where two police officers and a cyclist were shot and injured. Authorities said during a press conference before Mr James was identified that the suspect had an outstanding assault and family violence warrant.

Read more:

Suspect arrested in Austin after six killed in multi-city Texas ‘shooting spree’

Suspect is responsible for six deaths, police say

Thursday 7 December 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco

“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.

Three injured victims expected to make full recovery

Thursday 7 December 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco

The injured in the eight-hour attack on Tuesday included two police officers and a bicyclist, police said.

Authorities have said they are expected to recover.

Texas shooting spree: What we know so far

Thursday 7 December 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Shane James had history of mental health issues, police say

Thursday 7 December 2023 05:10 , Andrea Blanco

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.

“I believe that the request was made by the family members that he had nowhere to go but home,” Sheriff Salazar said. “March 7, he was released from jail. On March 8, we know that he cut his ankle monitor.”

In August, deputies responded to a mental health call at the James’ home.

The suspect was naked and having a mental health episode but was not arrested despite his three outstanding misdemeanours because the deputies were not allowed to force entry into his room. James barricaded inside his upstairs bedroom and used racial slurs as he confronted deputies trying to de-escalate the situation, Sheriff Salazar said.

The deputies left after James Sr promised to give them a call once his son left the room. Sheriff Salazar said that the father never did so.

The sheriff said his department is investigating how James, who was unmedicated at the time of the attack, gained access to a weapon.

What we know about Texas shooting spree that left six dead miles apart

Thursday 7 December 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco

An eight-hour rampage in Texas at different crime scenes in the cities of San Antonio and Austin has left six people dead, including the suspect’s parents.

The Austin Police Department identified the suspect in the attacks as 34-year-old Shane James, who has a history of mental health illness and was previously arrested for attacking several family members. James, who is currently in custody, now faces charges of capital murders in connection with the daylong violence on Tuesday.

The dead were found in several homes miles from each other and authorities have yet to provide a motive in the killings.

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said that James’ parents were among the six deceased victims.

Read more:

What we know about Texas shooting spree that left six dead miles apart

Shane James, 34, identified as suspect in Tuesday’s rampage

Thursday 7 December 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco

A map of the attacks on Tuesday

Thursday 7 December 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco

Suspect was unmedicated, police say

Thursday 7 December 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco

In August, deputies responded to a mental health call at the James’ home.

The suspect was naked and having a mental health episode but was not arrested despite his three outstanding misdemeanours because the deputies were not allowed to force entry into his room. James barricaded inside his upstairs bedroom and used racial slurs as he confronted deputies trying to de-escalate the situation, Sheriff Salazar said.

The deputies left after James Sr promised to give them a call once his son left the room. Sheriff Salazar said that the father never did so.

The sheriff said his department is investigating how James, who was unmedicated at the time of the attack, gained access to a weapon.

WATCH: Man, woman killed in South Austin: APD

Thursday 7 December 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco

IN PICTURES: Killing spree left six people dead in San Antonio and Austin

Thursday 7 December 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco

A timeline of the attacks in Austin and San Antonio

Thursday 7 December 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Chief Henderson provided a timeline, saying an Austin Independent School District police officer was shot and injured at about 10.45am Tuesday.

Then about noon, a man and a woman were found dead in a home. Another shooting happened shortly before 5pm when a male cyclist suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Police responding around 7 p.m. to a call of a burglary in progress at another home later found two people dead there.

Henderson didn’t say how the four people died.

During the last call, an Austin police officer saw a man in the back yard. The man shot at the officer and the officer returned fire, Henderson said. The officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital. The officer was listed in stable condition.

Police said the man, who was not hit, drove away and police pursued him. He crashed at about 7.15pm at a highway intersection and was taken into custody.

The man had a gun, Henderson said.

Suspect identified after six people killed in multi-city Texas ‘shooting spree’

Thursday 7 December 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco

A suspect has been named in a series of apparent murders and shootings that left six people dead and three others injured across two major Texas cities.

Shane James, 34, is facing capital murder charges, police said.

He was linked to the deaths of four people on Tuesday in Austin, where two police officers and a cyclist were shot and injured. Authorities said during a press conference before Mr James was identified that the suspect had an outstanding assault and family violence warrant.

Read more:

Suspect identified after six people killed in multi-city Texas ‘shooting spree’

Bail reform organization bailed James out in 2022

Thursday 7 December 2023 14:23 , Andrea Blanco

After it emerged on Wednesday that the suspect in the shooting spree that left six people dead was bonded out of jail by The Texas Organizing Project, the organization issued a statement addressing the $300 that was posted on James’ behalf

“Texas Organizing Project (TOP) is profoundly saddened and deeply troubled by the recent tragic events involving Shane James,” the statement to KSAT read. “We condemn his most recent egregious acts, full stop. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time.”

The organization, which works for bail reform, said it was aware of “the broader implications” that the murders on Tuesday had for its bail program.

What we know about Texas shooting spree that left six dead miles apart

Thursday 7 December 2023 16:08 , Andrea Blanco

An eight-hour rampage in Texas at different crime scenes in the cities of San Antonio and Austin has left six people dead, including the suspect’s parents.

The Austin Police Department identified the suspect in the attacks as 34-year-old Shane James, who has a history of mental health illness and was previously arrested for attacking several family members. James, who is currently in custody, now faces charges of capital murders in connection with the daylong violence on Tuesday.

The dead were found in several homes miles from each other and authorities have yet to provide a motive in the killings.

Read more:

What we know about Texas shooting spree that left six dead miles apart

Suspect believed to have attacked parents before murders in Austin, police say

Thursday 7 December 2023 17:08 , Andrea Blanco

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.

“I believe they saw water coming out of the residence, appearing as if something was leaking inside,” Sheriff Salazar said.

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.

“Nobody deserves to die the way we believe that they died,” the sheriff said. “This is a very quiet family. The gentleman that lives in the home, he’s very involved in the community, in the neighbourhood watch.”

Sheriff Salazar said it’s believed the deaths in the home happened sometime between 10pm on Monday, when a sibling of Mr James last spoke with their parents, and 9am on Tuesday, when a neighbour noticed James’ vehicle was not in the driveway.

Sheriff Salazar has asked neighbours to check their doorbell cameras to help authorities establish a more clear timeline.

Austin school district officer shot is named

Thursday 7 December 2023 18:03 , Andrea Blanco

Sergeant Val Barnes, who has been with the district’s police force for nearly 30 decades, is expected to recover.

Sgt Barnes was shot in the leg at around 10.40am on Tuesday near Northeast Early College High School.

He has already been released from the hospital.

“We’re grateful that Sergeant Val Barnes is now recovering at home,” Interim Superintendent Matias Segura in a statement to The Austin-American Stateman. “His swift response was key in keeping our campuses safe.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre addresses recent shootings

Thursday 7 December 2023 18:51 , Andrew Feinberg

During a briefing on Thursday, Ms Pierre said that President Biden has ordered the newly established office of gun violence prevention to monitor the situation in Las Vegas, where a gunman killed three people yesterday before he was fatally shot by police.

“I also want to note that less than 24 hours ago I stood at this same podium as we mourn the six lives lost in San Antonio. And here we are again today. When the President talks about ending the epidemic of gun violence. This is what he’s talking about,” Ms Pierre said.

“From Las Vegas, to Texas to Memphis to Maine. When will be When will it be enough? When will it be enough? We have faces and we cannot continue to live like this.

“As the President said, Republican lawmakers must join Democrats in Congress to advance common-sense measures to protect Americans from gun violence. Literally, every day, every day we wait, becomes another day too late.”

White House grieves ‘senseless’ UNLV, Texas mass shootings

Thursday 7 December 2023 19:30 , Andrea Blanco

Suspect was unmedicated, police say

Thursday 7 December 2023 20:28 , Andrea Blanco

In August, deputies responded to a mental health call at the James’ home.

The suspect was naked and having a mental health episode but was not arrested despite his three outstanding misdemeanours because the deputies were not allowed to force entry into his room. James barricaded inside his upstairs bedroom and used racial slurs as he confronted deputies trying to de-escalate the situation, Sheriff Salazar said.

The deputies left after James Sr promised to give them a call once his son left the room. Sheriff Salazar said that the father never did so.

The sheriff said his department is investigating how James, who was unmedicated at the time of the attack, gained access to a weapon.

Texas mother on stroller walk with baby identified among six killed in shooting spree

Thursday 7 December 2023 23:50 , Andrea Blanco

Sabrina Rahman, 24, had just moved into a new home with her husband and their one-year-old son a day before the attack unfolded in their South Austin neighbourhood on Tuesday.

Rahman and 32-year-old family friend Emmanuel Pop Ba, who was helping her move, were fatally shot by a gunman who has been identified as Shane James by the Austin Police Department.

Distraught family members told The Austin-American Stateman that Pop Ba was entering his vehicle to leave for lunch when he was allegedly shot by 34-year-old Mr James. Rahman, who had taken her baby for a stroller walk, saw the commotion and tried to run away, her uncle Marshall Hussain told the outlet.

Texas mother on stroller walk with baby identified among six killed in shooting spree

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

Sabrina Rahman, 24, had just moved into a new home with her husband and their one-year-old son a day before the attack unfolded in their South Austin neighbourhood on Tuesday.

Rahman and 32-year-old family friend Emmanuel Pop Ba, who was helping her move, were fatally shot by a gunman who has been identified as Shane James by the Austin Police Department.

Distraught family members told The Austin-American Stateman that Pop Ba was entering his vehicle to leave for lunch when he was allegedly shot by 34-year-old Mr James. Rahman, who had taken her baby for a stroller walk, saw the commotion and tried to run away, her uncle Marshall Hussain told the outlet.

Mother on walk with baby among six dead in Texas shooting spree

WATCH: Texas shooting spree: Who is the shooter?

02:30 , Andrea Blanco

A timeline of the violent rampage that left six dead on Tuesday

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

What we know about Texas shooting spree that left six dead miles apart

05:30 , Andrea Blanco

An eight-hour rampage in Texas at different crime scenes in the cities of San Antonio and Austin has left six people dead, including the suspect’s parents.

The Austin Police Department identified the suspect in the attacks as 34-year-old Shane James, who has a history of mental health illness and was previously arrested for attacking several family members. James, who is currently in custody, now faces charges of capital murders in connection with the daylong violence on Tuesday.

The dead were found in several homes miles from each other and authorities have yet to provide a motive in the killings.

What we know about Texas shooting spree that left six dead miles apart

White House grieves ‘senseless’ UNLV, Texas mass shootings

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre addresses recent mass shootings

08:30 , Andrea Blanco

During a briefing on Thursday, Ms Pierre said that President Biden has ordered the newly established office of gun violence prevention to monitor the situation in Las Vegas, where a gunman killed three people yesterday before he was fatally shot by police.

“I also want to note that less than 24 hours ago I stood at this same podium as we mourn the six lives lost in San Antonio. And here we are again today. When the President talks about ending the epidemic of gun violence. This is what he’s talking about,” Ms Pierre said.

“From Las Vegas, to Texas to Memphis to Maine. When will be When will it be enough? When will it be enough? We have faces and we cannot continue to live like this.

“As the President said, Republican lawmakers must join Democrats in Congress to advance common-sense measures to protect Americans from gun violence. Literally, every day, every day we wait, becomes another day too late.”

Suspect believed to have been killed first, police say

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

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.

“I believe they saw water coming out of the residence, appearing as if something was leaking inside,” Sheriff Salazar said.

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.

“Nobody deserves to die the way we believe that they died,” the sheriff said. “This is a very quiet family. The gentleman that lives in the home, he’s very involved in the community, in the neighbourhood watch.”

Sheriff Salazar said it’s believed the deaths in the home happened sometime between 10pm on Monday, when a sibling of Mr James last spoke with their parents, and 9am on Tuesday, when a neighbour noticed James’ vehicle was not in the driveway.

Sheriff Salazar has asked neighbours to check their doorbell cameras to help authorities establish a more clear timeline.

Bail reform organization bailed James out in 2022

11:30 , Andrea Blanco

After it emerged on Wednesday that the suspect in the shooting spree that left six people dead was bonded out of jail by The Texas Organizing Project, the organization issued a statement addressing the $300 that was posted on James’ behalf

“Texas Organizing Project (TOP) is profoundly saddened and deeply troubled by the recent tragic events involving Shane James,” the statement to KSAT read. “We condemn his most recent egregious acts, full stop. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time.”

The organization, which works for bail reform, said it was aware of “the broader implications” that the murders on Tuesday had for its bail program.

Suspect struggled with mental health issues, police say

14:00 , Andrea Blanco

In August, deputies responded to a mental health call at the James’ home.

The suspect was naked and having a mental health episode but was not arrested despite his three outstanding misdemeanours because the deputies were not allowed to force entry into his room. James barricaded inside his upstairs bedroom and used racial slurs as he confronted deputies trying to de-escalate the situation, Sheriff Salazar said.

The deputies left after James Sr promised to give them a call once his son left the room. Sheriff Salazar said that the father never did so.

The sheriff said his department is investigating how James, who was unmedicated at the time of the attack, gained access to a weapon.