MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
CrimeJul 17, 2018
Third Suspect Tied to Murder of Austin Jeweler Arrested
Police said it is a “distinct possibility” that Johnny Roman Leon III was the shooter in the murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of Ted Shaughnessy.
Austin, Texas—Police have arrested a third suspect in connection with the murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of an Austin jeweler earlier this year.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested 21-year-old Johnny Roman Leon III at 10:30 a.m. last Wednesday in College Station, Texas. He has been charged with criminal solicitation of a capital murder.
According to court records, investigators believe Leon conspired with Nicolas Shaughnessy to arrange the March 2 murder of Theodore Shaughnessy, Nicolas’ father. A spokesperson for the Travis County Sherriff’s Office also told National Jeweler it is a “distinct possibility” that Leon was the shooter but added that the case is still being investigated.
Nicolas Shaughnessy and his wife, Jaclyn Alexa Edison, are alleged to have hired someone to murder both Theodore (Ted) and Corey Shaughnessy so they could collect the $2 million in insurance that would come to Nicolas in the event of his parents’ deaths, as well as the additional $6 million he expected to get by selling his parents’ business, Gallerie Jewelers, and house.
According to police records, Corey Shaughnessy told investigators that she and her husband were awoken around 4 a.m. on March 2 by the sound of their dogs barking.
Ted grabbed his handgun and got up to investigate. Less than a minute later, Corey heard gunfire so she grabbed her handgun and got out of bed as well.
She and the intruder exchanged gunfire until she ran out of ammunition; it is believed the suspect was injured in the exchange, authorities said. Corey then hid in the closet and called 911, remaining there until police came.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered the body of 55-year-old Ted Shaughnessy with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the arrest affidavit for Leon, he and Nicolas Shaughnessy approached a man, identified only as a “source” in the affidavit, and offered him $10,000 to help kill Theodore and Corey Shaughnessy.
The source, who has not been named, was involved in the plan but was not originally told what he would be asked to do. They later told him “they needed two people to kill two people, by shooting them and possibly shooting some dogs,” the affidavit states.
No other information is being released about whether the unidentified source faces any charges.
Nicolas Shaughnessy and Jaclyn Alexa Edison were arrested in early June. Both
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
have been charged with criminal solicitation of capital murder.
Edison posted bond last month and is no longer being held.
Shaughnessy is being held at the Travis County jail on a $3 million bond. Leon is now being held at the jail on bond as well.
No one answered the phone at the store on Tuesday.
Edison posted bond last month and is no longer being held.
Shaughnessy is being held at the Travis County jail on a $3 million bond. Leon is now being held at the jail on bond as well.
No one answered the phone at the store on Tuesday.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
