AUSTIN, Texas – A deadly attack unraveling in a quiet Austin suburb left the local community shaken in March 2018. The shooting took the life of 55-year-old Ted Shaughnessy and raised questions about the safety and security of the neighborhood.
Trying to make sense of the tragedy, investigators discovered troubling details about the incident. The Shaughnessys, who owned a jewelry store, were confronted by intruders in their home in the dead of night. Ted Shaughnessy was killed, and his wife, Corey, fought for her life before frantically calling the police for help.
As investigators combed through the crime scene, they found evidence that suggested more than one assailant was involved. An open window on the side of the house raised suspicions that the intruders had used it as an entry point. Additionally, the discovery of an empty gun box in the Shaughnessys’ son’s former room hinted at the possible involvement of the missing firearm in the shooting.
Following the tragedy, investigators questioned the couple’s son, Nick Shaughnessy, and his girlfriend, Jackie Edison, who were initially named as potential suspects. However, it was not until later when incriminating information surfaced, linking them to the crime.
It was revealed that Nick had been in Austin just two days before the murder, contradicting his earlier statement to detectives. Moreover, text messages between Nick and Edison, and a key witness confirming Nick’s expectations of an $8 million inheritance, added to the mounting evidence against them.
A thorough investigation led to the arrest of Nick Shaughnessy and Jackie Edison for criminal solicitation. Subsequently, two others, Arieon Smith and Johnny Leon, were also arrested for their involvement in the murder.
After a plea deal, Nick, Smith, and Leon were sentenced to 35 years in prison for murder. Edison cooperated with law enforcement and was offered a reduced sentence for conspiracy to commit capital murder. Corey Shaughnessy was left grappling with the loss of her husband, while being surrounded by the turmoil of the criminal case involving her son and his girlfriend.
Despite the tragic outcome, Corey remained resolute in her determination to honor her husband’s memory and make the most of her life. The community mourned the loss of Ted Shaughnessy, recalling his passion for gemology and his dedication to making people feel special through his work as a jeweler. His memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.