AUSTIN (KXAN) — Attorneys for Shane James, who faces multiple capital murder charges in connection with a string of shootings in 2023 in Austin and Bexar County, have officially filed a “notice of intent to raise insanity defense,” meaning they’ll argue he was not guilty by reason of insanity.
The motion was filed Wednesday. State law requires attorneys to file this and assert the intent for an insanity defense at least 20 days before the case is set for trial.
Austin defense attorney Ben Gergen, who isn’t involved but provided insight on this case, explained that “this gives the state time to investigate and rebut an insanity defense,” which is important because the arguments and strategies pivot when attorney’s aren’t focused on proving whether something did something versus if the insanity defense applies.
James accused of killing 6, injuring several others in December 2023
Authorities said James shot and killed his parents in Bexar County before going to Austin and randomly shooting and killing Emmanuel Pop Ba, 32, Sabrina Rahman, 24, as well as Katherine Short, 56, and her daughter, Lauren Short, 30.
‘She is a hero’: Family of shooting victim says the young mother saved her son’s life
Police said James also shot an Austin Independent School District officer that morning, an Austin Police officer and cyclist that evening.
James’ mental health history through the courts
In October 2024, a judge ruled James incompetent to stand trial and sent him to a state hospital…