6 dead and 3 injured, including 2 officers, in Texas shooting spree; suspect identified

A man suspected of killing several people and injuring at least three others, including two officers, in a series of shootings across Central Texas on Tuesday, was taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of capital murder, officials say.

Austin Police identified the suspect in the shootings Wednesday afternoon as 34-year-old Shane James and released a booking photo.

Austin Police, NBC 5 News Shane James, booking photo.

Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson said at a news conference early Wednesday morning that authorities had not determined the incidents were connected until the suspect had been arrested.

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It was not clear whether the suspect knew the victims.

Officials in Bexar County are also investigating whether a "grisly" crime scene that left two dead near San Antonio was connected. The wave of violence throughout the city of Austin spanned over eight hours and left four dead and three injured.

Our hearts break for the shooting victims, injured officers, their families, and our communities impacted by yesterday’s senseless and tragic gun violence. Travis County District Attorney's Office

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said the shooter was a, "hardened criminal who must never see the light of day again" and that "violence will never be tolerated."

"Texans grieve for the loved ones of the six Texans who were murdered by a hardened criminal who must never see the light of day again. The murderer also shot two law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Texas is a law-and-order state, and violence will never be tolerated," Abbott said. "We thank all state and local law enforcement and first responders who apprehended this criminal and protected their communities. The State of Texas will provide all resources necessary to impose the full weight of law on this criminal for his despicable crimes. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in lifting up in prayer the families and loved ones of those who were killed, as well as the Texans who are recovering from injuries, including an Austin Police Officer and an Austin Independent School District police officer."

The first incident was reported at about 10:43 a.m. Tuesday when an Austin Independent School District officer was shot and injured near Northeast Early College High School, Henderson said. The school district's police chief said the injured officer was in stable condition.

The second shooting occurred at approximately 11:59 a.m. when officers responded to a double homicide involving a man and a woman on Austin's south side. At about 5 p.m., a male cyclist was shot and sustained injuries that were not considered life threatening.

Almost two hours later, Henderson said police received a 911 call about a burglary on Austral Loop. Officers responded to the home and found the male suspect in the backyard. The man opened fire at police and officers shot back. One officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds that were not life threatening.

The suspect fled the scene in a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash. The man was arrested with a firearm in his possession, police said.

"The male suspect who was taken into custody was transported to the Travis County Jail and is charged with capital murder," Henderson said. "He was also booked in for an outstanding assault with injury family violence warrant. Further charges are pending."

KXAN Austin ISD Police gather outside Northeast Early College High School after an officer was shot Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.

Meanwhile, inside the home, officers discovered the bodies of two people.

Authorities in Bexar County said that the suspect in the Austin shootings may be connected to the deaths of a man and a woman in their 50s who were found inside a home in San Antonio Tuesday morning. San Antonio is about 80 miles southwest of Austin.

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said Austin law enforcement reached out and asked about a residence in Bexar County that may have been tied to the suspect, NBC affiliate KXAN reports. Salazar said when deputies arrived at the home, they found two bodies inside.

“It’s a pretty grisly crime scene in there,” Salazar said.

Salazar said the suspect was about 30 years old, but his relationship with the victims wasn't clear.

He said it's believed the deaths in the home happened before the attacks in Austin.

The Travis County District Attorney's Office thanked the Austin Police, Austin ISD Police, Texas DPS, US Marshals and FBI for their quick work in apprehending the suspect. The man faces multiple counts of capital murder and is expected to be held without bond.