AUSTIN, Texas – A tragic home invasion led to the death of Ted Shaughnessy on March 2, 2018. The incident took a dark turn as investigations revealed that the two intruders were actually hitmen hired in a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by someone related to the victim. The 55-year-old Ted Shaughnessy was a beloved jeweler, businessman, and father known for his kindness and dedication to his family.
The suspects in Ted’s murder included his own son, Nicolas Shaughnessy, and his daughter-in-law, Jaclyn Edison. Their financial troubles and debts, coupled with the potential monetary gain from Ted’s life insurance, led to the deadly plot. The murder-for-hire scheme involved additional accomplices, all of whom were charged and later pleaded guilty to their involvement.
As the case unfolded, the shocking betrayal and devastating loss became a focal point of a Dateline NBC episode titled “Ghosts Can’t Talk,” which revisits the tragic events and provides insight into the investigation. The episode features interviews with Ted’s widow, Casey, and others involved in the case, shedding light on the heartbreaking impact of the crime.
In April 2021, the perpetrators, including Nicolas and his co-conspirators, were sentenced to prison for their roles in the murder-for-hire plot. The sentence brought a sense of closure to the case but could never repair the irreparable damage caused by the tragic loss of Ted Shaughnessy. The story serves as a grim reminder of the darkness that can lurk within families and the devastating consequences of greed and betrayal.