First update from attorneys in case of accused Austin spree shooter, Shane James

Dalton Huey
·2 min read

AUSTIN (KXAN) – During the first pre-trial hearing for a man accused of a December shooting spree that spanned Austin and San Antonio, his attorneys provided an update on the status of the case, which is in its discovery phase.

Shane James, 35, was not at the 147th District Court of Travis County Thursday morning. His attorney, Russ Hunt, Jr. arrived around 10 a.m. and had a brief conversation with Judge Cliff Brown.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: What we know about the suspect in the shooting spree in Austin, San Antonio

Hunt fielded questions outside the courtroom and explained they are currently still working on discovery, which is taking time given the volume of information and the fact that discovery in this case is multi-jurisdictional.

TIMELINE: How the shooting spree in Austin, Bexar County unfolded

Travis County Jail records show James was booked during the early morning hours Dec. 6, 2023, after he allegedly killed six people and injured three others throughout Austin the day before.

According to police, James allegedly shot and killed two people identified as James’ parents inside their home on Port Royal Street in Bexar County before driving to Austin to continue the string of violence that unfolded Dec. 5.

James faces multiple counts of capital murder and aggravated assault of a public servant.

If convicted, these charges carry a punishment of death, or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, according to the Texas Penal Code.

Hunt said James is doing well and is cooperating with his defense team. Hunt was asked if they were going to pursue a plea of insanity. In response, Hunt said they will always have psychological evaluations in cases like these and confirmed James is receiving psychiatric treatment in jail, and has been focusing on his faith.

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The next hearing is scheduled for June 11. According to Hunt, James will likely not appear.

Hunt said he expects there to be cases against his client out of Bexar County but James does not currently have a hold or active cases in Bexar County.

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