AUSTIN (KXAN) — The man arrested in the December 2023 shooting spree that killed six people and injured several others throughout Central Texas will stand trial after previously being considered incompetent.
Shane James, who is charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder and aggravated assault, is accused of killing his parents in San Antonio before traveling to Austin and killing four people. His next court appearance is set for Aug. 25, according to online court records.
KXAN reached out to James’ attorney, Russell Hunt, for comment. This story will be updated when we receive a response. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office told KXAN it expects to send out additional information on the case later Wednesday.
James was taken into custody on Dec. 5, 2023 — the same day as the string of shootings in Austin. He crashed a vehicle at the intersection of Ranch to Market Road 1826 and State Highway 45 in southwest Austin following a pursuit with law enforcement.
Last fall, nearly a year after his arrest, he was found incompetent to stand trial, meaning he was too mentally ill to understand or participate in his own defense. He was transferred to a state hospital in April for mental competency restoration, Hunt said previously.
KXAN Investigator David Barer confirmed on July 3 that James had been transferred back to Travis County jail from a state hospital following a bench warrant from a Travis County judge. A mental competency evaluation report was filed, however, the document isn’t publicly available.