December 07, 2023
Arrested: Texas Crime Spree Suspect Accused of Killing Parents Before Multicounty Shooting Spree
Shane James, a 34-year-old Texas man, was arrested following a violent rampage that spanned two counties, raising suspicions that he first killed his parents before carrying out additional murders. James faces multiple counts of capital murder in Travis County, and further charges related to the deaths of his parents are anticipated in Bexar County. The series of shootings occurred in Austin, starting with the morning injury of an Austin Independent School District officer, followed by fatal shootings in South Austin, and an evening incident that left a man wounded and an Austin police officer injured during a burglary call.James, who has a documented history of mental health issues, had been previously arrested in January 2022 on misdemeanor assault charges involving his parents and a sibling. Despite his family expressing concerns about his mental health, James was released from jail in March 2022 after alterations to the conditions of his bond. He later removed his ankle monitor and had an additional incident in August 2023, prompting deputies to respond to a mental health episode at his residence. The suspect's parents were found dead in their San Antonio home during the investigations, further highlighting the complexity and tragic nature of the case. Authorities are actively pursuing leads and conducting thorough investigations into the incidents across both counties.
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Tragedy Strikes UNLV: Gunman Opens Fire, Killing Three on Campus Before Being Fatally Shot by Police
In a devastating incident at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), a gunman opened fire, resulting in three fatalities. The suspected shooter was subsequently killed by officers, bringing a tragic end to the violent situation. While one additional victim was initially in critical condition, they have since been upgraded to stable. Fortunately, there is no longer an ongoing threat to the university, which has been closed for the remainder of the day.Authorities commend the quick and heroic response of law enforcement, particularly two detectives who engaged the suspect, potentially preventing further loss of life. In addition to the gunshot injuries, several people experienced panic attacks, and two officers sustained minor injuries during the campus search. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, leaving the UNLV community in shock and mourning. This incident is especially poignant for a city still haunted by the memory of the October 1, 2017, mass shooting at the Mandalay Bay casino, which claimed 60 lives and wounded hundreds. The UNLV campus is located just over three miles from that tragic event.
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Florida Deputies Exhume Skeletal Remains in 40-Year-Old Cold Case to Solve Mystery of 'John Doe
In a renewed effort to solve a 40-year-old cold case, Putnam County deputies in Florida are exhuming the skeletal remains of an unidentified man discovered in 1981. Known as "John Doe," the man's body was found in a wooded area near Old San Mateo Road in East Palatka. The initial autopsy yielded limited results due to decomposition, and the case went cold. Recently, forensic investigator Madison Worley took on the unidentified cases and, upon discovering the neglected file, initiated the process of exhumation for DNA and genealogy testing. The Florida Sheriffs Association Cold Case Advisory Commission provided funding for the effort, involving a team of detectives, forensic specialists, and anthropologists. The Sheriff's Office treats the case as a homicide, and the goal is to use DNA technology to identify John Doe's family and return his remains to them. Testing and imaging are expected to take months.
$5,000 Reward Raised in Opelika Cold Case Murder to Spur New Leads
In an effort to crack the 14-year-old cold case murder of 18-year-old Martez Latrell White, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers has boosted the reward to $5,000. White was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound in a shallow ditch on South Long Street in Opelika on September 12, 2009. With hopes of encouraging the community to come forward, White's mother, Stephanie Dawson, urged anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP. The increased reward is aimed at aiding detectives in solving the case and bringing justice to White's family, who have endured years of uncertainty. Callers can remain anonymous.