Shane James Jr’s lawyers have filed notice that they intend to raise an insanity defence over allegations that he killed six people during a shooting spree across Texas.
The filing was entered in Travis County on Wednesday, September 23, ahead of James’s trial in Austin. He faces capital murder charges over the deaths of four people in the city, as well as charges linked to the fatal shootings of his parents in San Antonio.
James, who has been ruled competent to stand trial, is due to appear before a jury on Monday, October 26, 2026. A jury docket call is scheduled for October 20.
Shane James Jr insanity defence follows competency dispute
The 37-year-old was previously found incompetent to stand trial in October 2024 and was ordered to undergo treatment at a state mental health facility.
A Travis County judge ruled in July 2025 that James had regained the capacity to understand the proceedings, consult his lawyers and assist in preparing his defence. The decision allowed the criminal cases to proceed in the 147th Criminal District Court.
Under Texas law, an insanity defence concerns a defendant’s mental state at the time of the alleged offence. It is separate from the question of whether someone is mentally competent to participate in a trial.
James has a documented history of mental illness. Family members told investigators that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia after leaving the Army following a family violence incident in 2015, and that his condition had deteriorated over the years.
What happened during the Texas shooting spree?
Prosecutors allege that the violence began at the San Antonio home of James’s parents, Shane James Sr and Phyllis James. Their bodies were discovered after James was arrested in the Austin area on December 5, 2023.
Investigators allege that he then drove towards Austin, where an Austin ISD police officer was shot and wounded near Northeast Early College High School. The school was placed on lockdown as officers searched for the suspect.
Later that day, 32-year-old Emmanuel Pop Ba and 24-year-old Sabrina Rahman were fatally shot in south Austin. Police also say a cyclist was wounded in a separate attack.
Two further victims, 56-year-old Katherine Short and 30-year-old Lauren Short, were found dead at a home in south-west Austin.
An Austin police officer was also injured in a gunfight during the response to a reported burglary. James was arrested after fleeing in a vehicle and crashing during a police pursuit.
In Travis County, he faces four capital murder counts and charges alleging aggravated assaults on public servants. He has pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution and defence are expected to address the insanity claim as the case moves towards jury selection and trial.
