Case:  23-3391146
 
Date:  Tuesday, December 5, 2023
 
Time:  6:49 p.m.
 
Location:  5300 block of Austral Loop
 
Victim (deceased):  Katherine Short, White female,  4/2/1967
 
Victim (deceased):  Lauren Short, White female,  11/16/1993
 
Suspect (arrested):  Shane James, White male, 34 years of age

On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at around 6:49 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a burglary in progress at the 5300 block of Austral Loop. The homeowner had received a motion activation alert from his security camera and witnessed a male individual forcefully kicking in the back door of his residence.

APD Officers quickly arrived at the scene and discovered a man in the backyard of the residence, later identified as James Shane. An APD officer confronted James, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The officer was shot and injured during this exchange. After shooting the officer, James fled the scene in a stolen vehicle from the residence. However, he was apprehended shortly after when he was involved in a collision at the intersection of FM 1826 and SH 45.

APD Officers entered the residence and discovered two individuals, later identified as Katherine Short and Lauren Short, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene.

APD Homicide detectives and crime scene specialists were called in to investigate the incident. Through their investigation, it was determined that James had entered the residence and committed the murders of Katherine and Lauren Short.
 
James has been charged with capital murder.
 
Anyone with any information should contact APD's Homicide unit at 512-974-TIPS or email homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.
 
This case is being investigated as Austin's 69th and 70th homicide of 2023.