- James accused of killing six people in Austin and San Antonio, including his parents
- Two Austin police officers were shot and wounded by James, police say
- Liberal bail reform group paid to have James released from jail ahead of rampage and blames guns for deaths
The man accused of six murders in two Texas cities was jailed for previous crimes and released thanks to a liberal group that paid for the bail he couldn't afford.
After learning of the death and destruction, Shane James, 34, is charged with the Texas Organization Project blamed guns – and not his own role in freeing him from prison – for the rampage.
“We understand that some are trying to use this tragedy to criticize bail programs, even for crimes,” the awakened organization said in a statement to San Antonio TV station. KSAT.
“We are acutely aware of the urgent need to address gun violence as an endemic problem in Texas and across the United States.”
James slaughtered his parents Monday night or early Tuesday morning at their home outside San Antonio before driving north to Austin on Tuesday and killing four additional victims, investigators said.
This Austin, Texas Police Department booking photo shows Shane James. On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, Texas authorities charged James with capital murder following a wave of days-long violence in two major cities that left six people dead.
Phyllis James, 55, and Shane James Snr, the mother and father of Shane James, were found dead in their San Antonio area home
“Texas Organizing Project (TOP) is deeply saddened and deeply disturbed by the recent tragic events involving Shane James,” said TOP Communications Coordinator Daniel Barrera.
“We condemn his most recent egregious actions, period.”
James' trail of violence also included a burglary in Austin and the shooting of a cyclist and two law enforcement officers – all who survived.
In February 2022, James was arrested on a felony charge in San Antonio, according to the Texas Organizing Project, confirming that they had paid to have him released.
At the time, James could not afford the $300 required to get out of jail.
Shane James' 2022 jail booking photo from when he was arrested for violent behavior toward his family
Austin Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson speaks during a media briefing early Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in Austin, Texas
“James was eligible based on our criteria at the time. However, TOP has not had any interaction with James since March 2022,” the Democratic activists said.
“We recognize that our assessments cannot anticipate individuals' future actions. We are committed to conducting a comprehensive internal review of our program and processes.”
James was taken back into custody just one day after TOP posted bail after cutting off his ankle monitor, the San Antonio sheriff confirmed during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
“On March 7, he was released from prison; on March 8, we now know he cut off his ankle monitor,” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar explained.
“Those three charges then became warrants for his arrest.”
Despite having three outstanding arrest warrants, authorities did not contact the army vet again until August 2023.
Sheriff's deputies were called to his parents' home after his father called for help because he had a mental illness and was naked and barricaded in a bedroom.
“Because it was a misdemeanor, our authority was somewhat limited,” the sheriff said.
He added that the officers left without arresting James, but told his father to call them if he became violent.
James now faces murder charges in Austin and similar charges in San Antonio.