Crime

Austin Jeweler Shot and Killed in Home Invasion

CrimeMar 06, 2018

Austin Jeweler Shot and Killed in Home Invasion

Theodore Shaughnessy, 55, owned Gallerie Jewelers with his wife.

Austin, Texas--An Austin jewelry store owner was shot and killed during a recent home invasion.

According to the Travis County Sherriff’s Office, early in the morning of Friday, March 2, police received a call from a woman who said an intruder had entered her house and that multiple shots had been fired.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the body of Theodore Shaughnessy, 55, who had sustained gunshot wounds.

Police said they found evidence of entry into the home and that one or more intruders had come inside the house. Evidence also pointed to the likelihood that an intruder may have been injured.

Shaughnessy and his wife are the longtime owners of Gallerie Jewelers in Austin.

Though a phone call placed to the store Monday wasn’t answered, the Gallerie Jewelers Facebook page had a message posted the same day that said it would be closed until further notice due to Shaughnessy’s death.

Local news reports said that flowers and notes had been placed in front of the store by friends and customers, who remembered Shaughnessy for his big personality and cheerful nature.

The Travis County Sherriff’s Office said the suspect(s) is unknown and at large, and that detectives are investigating the relationship between the suspect and the victim.

They are asking anyone with information about this crime to call the tip line at 512-854-1444 or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

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