AUSTIN, Texas – What seemed like a typical home invasion in a quiet Austin suburb turned out to be a much more sinister crime. In the dead of night on March 2, 2018, 55-year-old Ted Shaughnessy and his wife Corey were awakened by intruders in their home. Investigators arrived to a chaotic scene, with broken glass, bullet casings, and a tragic loss of life.
When Ted Shaughnessy confronted the intruders, he was met with a barrage of gunfire. His wife, Corey, fought back using her own handgun, but unfortunately, Ted did not survive the attack. Even one of the family’s beloved Rottweilers, named Bart, was killed in the shootout.
In the aftermath, the investigative work revealed evidence suggesting an inside job. This suspicion led to key witnesses, phone records, and surveillance footage that ultimately led to the arrest of Nick Shaughnessy, along with alleged hit men Johnny Leon and Arieon Smith. In a shocking turn of events, Nick’s wife, Jackie Edison, cooperated with police and revealed details of the murder plot.
In the end, all three men were charged with capital murder, and Jackie Edison accepted a plea deal for her involvement in the conspiracy. The tragic loss of Ted Shaughnessy remains a painful memory for his loved ones, but the conviction of those responsible has brought some closure to the case. Despite the darkness of that night, Corey Shaughnessy remains determined to live her life with gratitude for the opportunity to survive and move forward.