AUSTIN, Texas — A Travis County jury heard testimony on the third day of Shane James’ capital murder trial, with personal accounts from victims and law enforcement after a series of shootings in December 2023.
Prosecutors allege James is responsible for six deaths in both Austin and San Antonio, but this trial centers on the killings of four people in Austin. James’ defense is arguing that he was legally insane at the time of the shootings.
On day three, jurors listened to a cyclist describe being shot while riding on a popular South Austin trail. The cyclist testified that just before a weekly group ride off West Slaughter Lane he heard what sounded like a firecracker and saw sparks. He recounted seeing a figure rise out of the woods near the end of a line of cedar trees. He continued along the trail, looking over his shoulder as a man chased him and began firing a handgun. The cyclist said he began zigzagging his bike in a desperate attempt to avoid being hit and was struck in the left arm…