Suspect Accused of Killing Two People in San Antonio and Four People in Austin in Shooting Spree on Dec. 5
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department (APD) has recently released police body camera footage and radio traffic audio from a shooting incident that occurred in southwest Austin during a deadly rampage that began in San Antonio on December 5. The suspect, Shane James Jr., stands accused of killing his parents in San Antonio before continuing his violent spree in Austin, where he allegedly took the lives of Emmanuel Pop Ba, Sabrina Rahman, Katherine Short, and Lauren Short. James is currently facing four capital murder charges, as well as two charges for felony aggravated assault against a public servant in connection with allegedly injuring officers from the Austin ISD Police Department and the Austin Police Department. Additionally, he faces a felony aggravated assault mass shooting charge.
The APD body camera footage provides a glimpse into the police response at 5307 Austral Loop, located in Austin’s Circle C neighborhood. The officers had received a call about a burglary in progress at that address. Tragically, 56-year-old Katherine Short and 30-year-old Lauren Short lost their lives during the incident, while an APD officer sustained injuries. (Warning: The videos contain images that some viewers may find disturbing.)
The video captures the moment when responding officer Det. Joseph Strother entered the backyard of the house and immediately came under fire. Despite being shot multiple times, Strother, who has served with APD for over 12 years, bravely returned fire in the direction of James. Managing to move to the front of the house and away from the gunfire, Strother displayed remarkable resilience. It is worth noting that James was not struck by gunfire during this particular incident. Officer Khistof Oborski provided crucial support to Strother by offering cover and first aid, before the arrival of Austin-Travis County EMS to provide further medical assistance. As per APD protocol, Strother has been placed on administrative leave.
Providing background information on this harrowing case, Bexar County officials have stated that the shooting spree began in the San Antonio area on December 5. Phyllis James and Shane James Sr. were tragically found dead “wedged inside a very small room” in a home east of San Antonio. Sheriff Javier Salazar described the scene as “grisly.” Following this, James shot and injured an officer from the Austin ISD Police Department outside Northeast Early College High School on Berkman Drive in northeast Austin at around 10:45 a.m. According to investigators, there was no prior interaction between the officer and James before the shooting occurred.
Shortly before noon, multiple calls for help were made to the Austin police regarding a home located off Shadywood Drive in South Austin. Responding officers discovered a man and a woman with “obvious signs of trauma” to their bodies. The victims were identified as 32-year-old Emmanuel Pop Ba and 24-year-old Sabrina Rahman. Police allege that the suspect shot and killed Pop Ba while stealing his vehicle. He then turned his attention to Rahman, who had witnessed the shooting, and shot her, narrowly missing her baby who was in a stroller. James subsequently left the scene in Pop Ba’s vehicle.
Continuing his violent spree, James headed further southwest, where he allegedly shot someone riding their bike on West Slaughter Lane just before 5 p.m. The injured cyclist managed to call 911 themselves, and police are confident in their recovery. The next significant encounter with James occurred at around 6:45 p.m., when APD officers received a call about a burglary in progress at 5307 Austral Loop in southwest Austin’s Circle C neighborhood. Surveillance footage revealed James wearing a long-sleeved shirt, wielding a handgun, and attempting to forcefully kick down the back door of the residence. Officers arrived at the scene at 6:54 p.m. and were met with gunfire from James. While the officers returned fire, they did not manage to hit James, who subsequently fled the scene in a stolen car. APD officers pursued him.
Meanwhile, other officers entered the Austral Loop residence and discovered two women with gunshot wounds. They were later identified as 56-year-old Katherine Short and 30-year-old Lauren Short. Despite the officers’ attempts to save their lives, both women tragically succumbed to their injuries. As the officers on the scene called for backup, Austin-Travis County EMS medics, and Austin Fire Department crews, it was revealed that an APD officer had been shot. Fortunately, the wounded officer is expected to recover.
The pursuit of James continued until he crashed his car near State Highway 45 and FM 1826. APD Interim Chief Robin Henderson confirmed that officers successfully apprehended James, who was found in possession of a firearm.
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