Mother and Daughter with Disabilities Identified as Victims in Austin Shooting Rampage

Accident – death – Obituary News : Mother and Daughter with Disabilities Identified as Victims in Austin Shooting Tragedy

In a devastating turn of events, a mother and her daughter with disabilities have been identified as the final two victims in Tuesday’s horrifying shooting rampage in Austin. The incident, which resulted in a total of four deaths and left three others injured, has left the community in shock and mourning.

The Austin Police Department has confirmed that Katherine Short, 56, and her daughter Lauren Short, 30, were found dead with gunshot wounds inside their home located at 5376 Austral Loop in the Circle C neighborhood. According to court records, Katherine’s husband and Lauren’s father, who was not present at the time, made a distress call to 911 after witnessing someone breaking into their home. He expressed concern for his wife and daughter, both of whom had special needs.

The suspect responsible for this heinous act has been identified as Shane James. Law enforcement authorities have charged James with the murders of Katherine and Lauren Short, as well as the killings of his parents in Bexar County and two other individuals in Austin.

During the investigation, security camera footage from the victims’ home revealed a chilling scene. A responding officer reported witnessing James, armed with a pistol, attempting to forcefully enter the residence, according to official records.

The tragic loss of Katherine and Lauren Short has left their friends and neighbors in disbelief. Robin Arnold, a mutual friend who resides on Austral Loop, fondly described the mother and daughter as mild-mannered and sweet individuals. Arnold reminisced about Katherine’s volunteer work at the nearby Kiker Elementary School library, highlighting her kind and easygoing nature.

The Short family had been part of the Circle C neighborhood for approximately two decades, as long as Arnold’s own family. The shocking events that unfolded have left Arnold grappling to comprehend the tragedy, stating, “I just can’t get my head around it.”

The quiet and close-knit community of Circle C, nestled near La Crosse Avenue and MoPac, has been deeply affected by the shooting. Residents, who primarily consist of families, have expressed their shock at the unfolding events. The sight of helicopters circling the area on the fateful evening alerted them that something was terribly wrong.

Cilla Parkinson, a neighbor residing a few houses away from the crime scene, recounted how she and her family took shelter as the situation unfolded. The sound of choppers overhead, sirens growing closer, and neighbors’ text messages reporting nearby gunshots created a sense of fear and urgency. In response, Parkinson and her 6-year-old son sought safety by turning off the lights and gathering in an interior, windowless room.

Parkinson tearfully shared her son’s innocent query about the commotion, to which she had to explain the presence of a “bad guy” in the neighborhood. The tense situation forced them to stay hidden for nearly an hour and a half, waiting for the all-clear.

The tragic events have left the community bewildered and in disbelief. Arnold, overcome with emotion, expressed her disbelief, stating, “It’s just surreal. Stuff like that doesn’t happen in our neighborhood.”

This shocking incident serves as a grim reminder that tragedy can strike even in the most peaceful and tightly-knit communities. As the investigation continues, the residents of Circle C and beyond mourn the loss of Katherine and Lauren Short, two innocent lives taken too soon..