“Shootout at the Shaughnessys”: 48 Hours Reports December 28 2024

On Saturday, December 28, 2024, 48 Hours dives deep into the chilling murder-for-hire case involving the affluent Shaughnessy family of Austin, Texas. Ted Shaughnessy, a well-known jeweler, was brutally killed in his home during the early hours of March 2, 2018. Correspondent Jim Axelrod examines the shocking details of the crime, the intricate investigation, and the courtroom drama that followed.

The Tragic Night: A Deadly Home Invasion

The Shaughnessys’ serene suburban home became a scene of terror when intruders broke in during the dead of night. Ted, 55, and his wife, Corey, awoke to the sound of disturbance. While Corey sought shelter after firing her revolver, Ted confronted the intruders and was fatally shot multiple times. One of the family’s dogs, Bart, was also killed in the violent encounter.

Initial investigations pointed to a potential robbery, as the family owned a successful jewelry business. However, there were no signs of valuables being taken, and the attackers left behind a trail of spent casings from multiple firearms. Suspicion soon turned toward the possibility of a more sinister motive behind the crime.

The Investigation Unfolds: Suspicion and Betrayal

Detectives quickly found inconsistencies in the case. An open window in the home was traced to Nick Shaughnessy’s former bedroom. Investigators also discovered that the home’s security system had been disarmed remotely, implicating someone with inside knowledge. Evidence mounted against Nick and his wife, Jackie Edison, including text messages suggesting they were plotting to hire hitmen.

Further scrutiny revealed Nick’s financial troubles and a strained relationship with his parents. As police pieced together the evidence, it became clear that Ted’s murder was not a random act but a calculated attack orchestrated by those closest to him.

The Arrests and Confessions

In May 2018, Nick and Jackie were arrested and charged with criminal solicitation for murder. Despite their initial denials, the investigation uncovered shocking revelations. Nick and Jackie had offered $50,000 to hire hitmen, who carried out the attack using a weapon stolen from the Shaughnessy home. Phone records and testimonies from accomplices corroborated the couple’s involvement.

Nick eventually admitted to his role, expressing regret in a later interview. Jackie, who had initially cooperated with authorities, minimized her participation, claiming she tried to dissuade Nick. Her plea deal allowed her to avoid significant prison time, leading to public outrage over perceived disparities in justice.

The Courtroom and Sentencing

Nick and the hitmen were sentenced to 35 years in prison, while Jackie received only 120 days in jail followed by 10 years of probation. This disparity sparked criticism from the victim’s family, particularly Corey, who described the plea deal as an affront to her late husband’s memory. Corey also revealed her disbelief and pain, grappling with the knowledge that her son had conspired to end her life alongside her husband’s.

A Family Destroyed

The Shaughnessy family was left shattered by the betrayal. Ted’s murder ended a life dedicated to his family and community. Corey, the intended second target, survived physically but continues to bear the emotional scars of the attack. Living under a new identity, she remains estranged from Nick, who has expressed remorse but remains unable to repair the damage he caused.

The 48 Hours episode, “Shootout at the Shaughnessys,” brings to light the devastating ripple effects of greed and betrayal. It is a sobering reminder of how easily trust can be weaponized and how justice can sometimes leave wounds unhealed. Tune in on December 28, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET/PT for this gripping investigation.