He Believed Taylor Swift Was Stalking Him and Did the Unthinkable | Travis Reinking

Was Taylor Swift stalking him? Travis Reinking thought so, and he had a lot of troubles, many of which were well-documented. Yet still, in 2018, he was able to walk into a Waffle House in Tennessee fully armed, and commit a heinous atrocity. In this video we will look at the various incidents that led to that, what he was thinking, and what happened after.
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[@daviddavidson2662]

When I was in therapy for Schizophrenia, I was told a powerful piece of advice: "It is not your fault, but it is your responsibility". Just because a person has issues, that doesn't mean it excuses awful behaviour.

[@carolethorn3211]

As is true with so much of life.

[@mrs.vlopez2427]

💯

[@VonW0lf3N5t31N]

I can't believe your comment doesn't have 10k likes! It's true and excellent thing to share. Thank you!

[@Andrew4Handel]

It is not an issue it is a mind altering profound disorder that robs people of responsibility and volition. You are talking utter offensive prejudiced nonsense and misrepresenting mental illness. It is not an "issue". Therapy for schizophrenia. What planet are you on. It is controlled by strong medications.

[@kristiriley]

Seeing James run out there & fight with Travis to get the gun out of his hands is absolutely unbelievable. Such a brave soul! He saved so many more people by jeopardizing himself like that. Then to hear him say, I've had no combat training or anything, just fighting with my little daughter to put her to bed at night, just shows his humility & humbleness. Such an amazing man! I had absolutely no idea though, that he went & raised money for the victims & their families. He is just something else. Whoever is blessed to know James & have him in their lives, are very lucky people! 💯✔👍🏻😊

[@DAndyLord]

I don't know if I'm brave. I've never been tested in that way. But I do know that other people freeze during a crisis and I don't. I hope I'm never tested like that man. Hats off to him. His actions saved lives.

[@primesspct2]

yes its quite impressive, and I think God was with him that day.

[@cainmathewson1857]

Most people think you can only save other people's lives when you have the gun. This dude literally disarmed the gunman while he himself was unarmed. That's pretty damn awesome

[@OriginalWhiteDevil]

It's definitely go time in a situation like that. Cowering and waiting to die ain't my thing.

[@alzychoze6591]

It is great to know that people like this are out there as well as this Travis mess……

[@stephenwood4775]

The fact that his dad gave him back the firearm is pure negligence. As an update he was sentenced to 18 months of prison for this.

[@MorticiaLaMourante]

Thank you for this update. It's exactly what I came looking for in the comments.

[@DGLake1]

Thank you for the update because I wasn’t going to look it up, but he was definitely negligent and he should have been held accountable for such

[@samanthafairweather9186]

Thanks for letting us know. I think his dad should've got more than that because he was ultimately responsible by giving him the weapons even after they were taken from Travis . He knew his son was I'll. He knew he was delusional in his beliefs. Yet tried to say, " But I thought he was telling the truth when he told me about Taylor Swift stalking him". They knew he was I'll, to the point of having him committed. I blame the parents equally.

[@LifesPeachy321]

IDK for a fact, but it really appears to an outsider looking in that the parents really didn't want to be bothered by his disorder.

[@dontettaton1063]

​@@samanthafairweather9186" I'll " ? Do you mean "ill" ?

[@maggiebastolla5430]

That 911 operator deserves an award for keeping a straight face (tone) when he said Taylor swift was following him.

[@clownbag]

These operators probably deal with sufferers of psychosis on a near daily basis. It is common for people to become preoccupied with politicians or celebrities when going through acute psychosis. When comments like this are no longer a shock, the immediate reaction is typically one of concern.

[@pamelaibarra790]

But it sure was a long ass pause 😂

[@fedup4365]

100%! That pause…. Like she had to process 😂

[@shyne_on59]

Came for this comment 💯😂😂😂

[@Kiki-kd2kl]

😂😂😂😂

[@OatmealPancake-ej8ky]

Good job to Travis’ father for voicing concern about his sons mental health and then promptly returning all the firearms back to him. Wow! 😡

[@tarajh]

Right?! He has to live with that decision. I can't even imagine... Hope he gets prosecuted to the fullest extent.

[@clemsonvoorheis3923]

Unbelievable!!! What the hell is wrong with these parents these days.

[@mitrovarr]

He should have gotten, at a minimum, four manslaughter charges on top of the weapons charge. He should be in for life as well.

[@samkobaisi1]

When you love someone. You would never ever think that they are capable of hurting others. I feel sorry for his dad.

[@mitrovarr]

@@samkobaisi1 no, I think anyone with a realistic view of mental illness would have known he was dangerous regardless of love. Also, I think anyone sensible would have never given him a weapon for fear of him harming himself (much more likely I think). And he had no need of such weapons. I have no sympathy for the father, he might as well have done it all himself.

[@halie1254]

My husband was just recently diagnosed with schizophrenia and it was so hard to watch. I stuck by his side and told him again and again he needed help and he finally got it. Travis needed someone to be that voice for him.

[@supernova11711]

You’re amazing and your husband is very lucky to have you! My fiancé has bipolar disorder. I just hope I’ll be able to be as strong as you when I need to be. Best wishes to you both 💕

[@standoughope]

I hope he gets all of the help that he needs, he must be so terrified. You're a good woman for sticking by his side. James Shaw Jr was the hero in this story; you're the hero in your husband's story. 💓

[@VickyRyan2018]

You are phenomenally great

[@mollycote1021]

God bless you! 🙏🏼💕‼️

[@dontmindme633]

It is hard though, legally to force an adult to take their medication. I know people dealing with this and it’s very hard for parents. I mean, no excuses for giving the son his weapons when he’s obviously suffering paranoid delusions though.

[@elnomio]

As a psychiatrist I`m shocked and infuriated! Doctor who let him go in 9 (NINE!) days of "treatment" - his license should be revoked, cause this time was not enough in anyway. It`s his father should get life in prison for neglect his son and did a shite to help him.

[@paulaschmidt-ginn7162]

I wonder if insurance coverage is to blame for early release.

[@not_you_i_dont_even_know_you]

​@@paulaschmidt-ginn7162wouldn't surprise me in the least. Mental healthcare is hilariously expensive in the states and generally really hard to access. Sounds like he was admitted to inpatient from the ER and in that case they're not able to keep people long enough to really help.

[@downhomesunset]

@@not_you_i_dont_even_know_youThe USA policy of healthcare for profit is insane. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and if I lived there-I’d probably be dead now. Instead, seven months after diagnosis, my treatment is almost complete!

[@numberone5680]

@@downhomesunset. Breast CA treatment is excellent in most major medical centers here and covered completely by most insurance providers.

[@tck3041]

Where did you work at as a Psychiatrist ?

[@hannahbranthwaite9823]

I knew this story as soon as I saw the title. I remember this happening around finals week my junior year of college. I went to the same university as DeEbony Groves and remember her entire sorority grieved and helped raise money for her family. She was weeks away from graduating college and instead of planning a graduation party, her family was planning a funeral. DeEbony’s life touched so many people. From the stories my friends told me, she was a bright light full of hope and love. She is deeply missed by those who remember her. ❤

[@jbmaitre5758]

"I have no combat training - but I do have to fight with my little daughter every night to try and put her to bed"! Simply beautiful, Sir you truly are an absolute hero! May all the victimes rest in peace and my condolences to every family - such a tragic story which could have been prevented if Travis who was CLEARLY mentally ill had received the proper help needed...

[@tonyploma2330]

Or if his moronic Dad didn't give him his guns back after they were taken away from him. Instead of giving him guns he should have been trying to get him a psychiatrist

[@priatalat]

For real, what a wholesome person!

[@gameface6091]

I want to be friends with that guy.

[@nikkiwilder660]

This is the entire comment I was hoping to see.💕

[@jbmaitre5758]

@@nikkiwilder660 Thank you for your kind comment Nikki ❤ ❤

[@kllurfrnds]

this guy desperately needed help and everyone around him failed him. his parents failed him the most. i cannot believe his parents saw how bad their son’s mental health was and his father STILL gave him the weapons back.

[@vickiewallace415]

Yup

[@JM-ot8ux]

His father was totally concerned with his OWN penis and how it might look if he took away HIS SON's guns. It would make dad look like 1) he couldn't control his son; 2) his son was "defective" in the eyes of others. There would be dad's "buddies" giving him "friendly shit" about how his son cain't have guns no mo' haw haw haw. And they'd call dad a pussy for "giving into the liberals" instead of "perteckin' the Sekn Memmit."

[@amityislandchum]

It's absolutely his father's fault.

[@UncleBoom]

Look into the situation here in the US of institutions for the mentally disturbed. Take a look. Look into "Shelters" for the homeless too while you are at it. Understand what you want to write BEFORE you write it. It will help you not to sound completely retarded.

[@JM-ot8ux]

@@UncleBoom Who are you even ranting at? Understand that before going off.

[@jamesyoung9742]

James Shaw Sr, sounds like you raised a fine young Man!. No Combat training but knows how to fight putting his daughter to sleep was Priceless!

[@mariamanasewitsch2977]

I have a family member going thru this. I’m told EVERY time we leave ER, “He’s an adult, he’s cognitive & he doesn’t want treatment”.

[@be.A.b]

The magic words are “he threatened to hurt himself, or other people.” Healthcare professionals are legally mandated to treat patients that are a threat to themselves or others. Don’t give up on that family member! Having a support system goes a long way. Most people who suffer from severe mental illness end up in jail, or on a cardboard box on the side of the road.

[@RAralar]

He needs to be conserved

[@priceandpride]

And police can’t hold them either

[@ColorMeErin]

By Law, IF the Staff at the ER are told that a Person is a Threat to Themself or others or that they've Threatened to Harm Themself or others, they CAN'T let that Person leave until after a 72hr Mandatory Hold to Observe them. If they do try to Discharge them, all you need to do is Threaten Legal Action if they Hurts/Kill themself or Others bc THEY Released them & I can guarantee they'll Admit them for Observation. Depending on what's Observed over those 3 Days will determine if they're Involuntarily Committed or Released & told to do Outpatient Appointments, but hopefully those 3 Days of Observation will Yield Results in them getting the Help they need. Bc, if there's even the slightest Chance that they could Hurt/Kill themself &/or Others after THEY Discharge them, they won't take that Chance if Legal Action is Threatened. Take Care! I Hope this Information Helps someone get their Loved 1 the Help they need if they go to the ER. 💜🦋💙

[@AussieCrimeCases]

My brother was schizophrenic, he would be hospitalised and then released....my mother was on the phone to them begging them not to release him that morning,,,,they didnt know that he'd already been released, so when she was on the phone the police knocked on our door to tell us that 3 minutes after he was released hed jumped in front of a train.

[@ihaveinsomnia1]

James is a Hero, no telling how many lives he saved that night. My condolences to the victims families. Life can be so unfair.

[@Bootmahoy88]

People are idiots for the most part when dealing with the mentally ill. They really are idiots; why? Because the stigma of mental illness has a two edged sword. No one wants them around. People vividly turn blind eyes to the poor humans babbling nonsense. They think by turning away they'll go away, and when they try to deal with them, they do so by throwing bottles of pills at them, treat 'em and street 'em! As if that's going to help. No real counseling efforts... unless you have money!

[@ihaveinsomnia1]

@@Bootmahoy88 I hear you. That young man definitely needed some help.

[@arielbonzai462]

Hope you get some sleep.

[@___DRIP___]

What about the fat dude at 20:52. There’s an active shooter and he just rolls off the chair fatly lmao.

[@ihaveinsomnia1]

@@arielbonzai462 Awe, Thanks!

[@HeavenScentsDetroit]

My dear sister Sarah (RIP) was schizophrenic, when she was properly on her meds, she was lovely. When not, she was quite literally, unhinged and awful to be around. And this was with long term mental care. There’s no way, any of us would have let her be around any sort of weapon or gun, even when she was on her meds even tho she was an adult for many years after diagnosis. I can’t understand how his parents thought it was ok for him to be remotely close to firearms. Just a horrible tragedy on so many levels 😢

[@Cecethegreat425]

I’m sorry about your sister Sarah ❤️

[@ash_tray]

Rest In Peace to your beautiful sister. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@terribongers2465]

💔hugs 😢

[@madelinebrennan7603]

I have a brother with schizophrenia. My mother had it too (she passed in 2015). Very sad. Very tragic. Hard existence. Confusing and terrifying and isolating for the individuals. Breaks my heart, this video...

[@kristenkeroff3773]

I just posted on here saying that my brother has paranoid schizophrenia. It can be scary at times. My mom didn't have it though. She had anxiety and depression mostly. She also passed away in 2015.

[@oleneo]

You both have it too as they say it's family disease. Indeed you do because why anybody in healthy state of mind tell everybody their relatives had that.

[@captainxxadventure]

​​@@oleneo you are so ignorant and rude for no reason. You don't even understand what a genetic disease is. It is normal and healthy for people to talk about their experiences and struggles. Your desire to insult people based on your own ignorance suggests you have problems with your own head. Just because you are miserable with yourself doesn't mean you have to go try to make others miserable, too. Go to therapy, because you need it.

[@anthonyhackman6720]

@@oleneoso other ppl can know that others are going through the same thing. That strangers aren’t alone in the tough situations they are in with a loved one. Also, you’re a dbag.

[@lillolita1031]

That first call he made to 911 was heartbreaking...😢 you can hear how bad his mental state was plus being scared&paranoid too

[@priceandpride]

Sad we don’t have mental hospitals anymore

[@ooicur412]

I wonder if he was on drugs too, exasperating his mental status. I see similar behavior with acquaintance's I know who are on meth, but with other users who show little to no paranoia behavior.

[@charmaynebruce6215]

​@@ooicur412 Give them time, they will. Ice fries brains.

[@m.ccheddarbox874]

The true weight of schizophrenia hit me when my friend (with schizophrenia) was dazed out and I asked him what was wrong. He said "someone is standing right there" No one was and when I asked, "you know that's not real, right?" He simply said "no". I think that was the 1st time I understood the magnitude of schizophrenia.

[@VioletJoy]

Yes, it's not a simple illness where you take a pill and get better. Reading these comments is a glaring reality of that.

[@rocketamadeus3730]

My friend was having an episode where she told me NASA had kidnapped her when she was two and put her in all sorts of flight simulators etc., then she tried to get me to break into a masonic lodge with her. After that night I started hearing about her getting violent with people.. I don't know what ever became of her after that.

[@sinclairreed5367]

Complete side note: Where I live there is a homeless gentleman, one evening he was overtly agitated talking to a small older woman,he had his cell phone out. I assumed he was filming the interaction. What he actually was doing,was- he said his demons could be real or imagined,and he stated that with his phone he could validate whether the person he was talking to was real or not. If they showed on the phone,they were real. Absolutely blew my mind. I excused myself from their conversation completely stunned at what just happened.

[@Hx3ney]

@@sinclairreed5367 Wow that's really incredible. We use our phones to check out of reality and he's using it to confirm it

[@sonnygunz5178]

Same thing with my best friend. She lived out in the middle of nowhere and told me that there were people surrounding her house, watching her all night long. She would stay up for days just looking outside all damn day. 💔💔💔

[@littlereddstar5264]

The dad KNEW exactly what state of mind his son was in. So much so he tried to get him committed . Yet he gives Travis back the guns AFTER THE SECRET SERVICE took them away and explicitly told him he couldn’t have them. I really hope the families file a civil lawsuit and wipe that smile off the dad’s face.

[@cb-pc1df]

While I totally agree the father should NOT have given the firearm back to Travis. You have to put yourself in the parents shoes. His son truly believed he was in danger. Maybe the father thought if he gave him his protect back, he wouldn't spiral into delusions. Parents seem to want to protect their kids and tend not to believe their child is capable of killing. He should definitely be held responsible for giving the guns back. The mother of the mentally disturbed man/child that was involved in a 6 hour stand off with police firing over 600 rounds in an apartment complex killing police and injuring other LE was also given his weapons back and his parents were not charged. IIRC the state only held the guns for 2 weeks. This case is different because the narrative at the time was he went to kill POC. When he was clearly not in the right mind. It has been proven time and time again red flag laws are BS, they do NOT work. Maybe instead of focusing on guns, red flag laws, making new gun laws when we don't enforce the ones we already have. We need to focus on mental health and allow the state to take custody of the mentally ill (when they are delusional & pose a risk to themselves or others) mental health in the US is never brought up in this cases until after people are dead. How many red flags do Cruz show before shooting up his school? A LOT! Going back to the 3rd grade, he was also reported to his school numerous times & the FBI but they did absolutely NOTHING. A great deal of mass shooting might be prevented if we focused more on mental health (more 5150s & Baker act) instead of just guns. Guns don't fire themselves, the need a person to fire them. Just wish more ppl would focus on this more.

[@b.c.7741]

@@cb-pc1df well said. I agree.

[@kristenjustkristen9462]

But here's a real question, if the state of Tennessee convicted him and proved in a court of law that he was of sound mind, sent him off to regular prison, then how can the father be charged with giving a mentally ill person weapons?? Do you see what I'm asking? I'm not defending him in any way shape or form! I simply want to know how can they continue to charge the father for supplying a mentally ill person w weapons, that has been deemed not mentally ill in a court of law?

[@Dunika]

@@cb-pc1df if he wanted to protect his kid, why didn’t he got him into his home? That way he could protect him himself and he would be safe. You know why he didn’t do that? Because he feared he might kill him. He knew exactly how dangerous and how bad the situation was, and he did everything possible to get as far away as possible instead of helping his kid. All of this talk about no gun control but mental health control is bullshit. You want to think that everyone who does things like this are mentally ill, but guess what? Most of them aren’t. They are just bad people that know exactly what they are doing and have easy access to f*ing assault weapons. America is still the country with the most gun deaths by a huge margin, but it is not the country with the worst mental healthcare. Shouldn’t that tell you something?

[@CiroqLee]

That’s America for you !(:

[@braidena1633]

the thought of Taylor climbing a building like spiderman

[@ladyagresa]

I can't understand how his parents could leave him all alone in the condition he was in. And to top it all off, give him weapons. That's sick. And kudos to James! Without him there would have been a lot more victims.

[@kenw2225]

I don't understand how Drs who diagnose schizophrenia, give a medication to the patient, knowing they won't take it, and then are exponentially more likely to hurt others after the medication had been introduced into their life.

[@nekokabuuuri]

Honestly the fact the brain can make you believe something, which is obviously a lie so much so you do unthinkable stuff is *absolutely* terrifying

[@ultra1888]

What we as individuals perceive as reality is nothing but how our brain interprets our environment. The only difference between imagination and reality is what our brain tells us something is.

[@lsmithgoose]

My mum had schizoaffective disorder and it really is truly terrifying what the mind can do. I mean the majority of people who experience psychosis are not a risk to anyone else, perhaps themselves. My mum believed she was being watched/spied on via computers and TVs. She went from an avid PC gamer (she would be 66 at the end of this month, it was not typical of her age/gender/generation) but she did a 180 and just was fearful. Eventually we got meds that helped her dramatically. But she passed away in 2012, unrelated to her mental illness, I am in hindsight quite glad she missed out on the rise of social media and smartphones. I cannot imagine what it is to experience that yourself, I have seen it up close and personal. The night she had her first episode, we were on a family holiday in Cyprus. It was the middle of the night. I was 9 and my brother 7, we were fast asleep, my mum woke up sure we were drowning in the pool, my dad told her it was a nightmare. She was adamant. He showed her us sound asleep upstairs but she thought it was a trick and ran to the pool and jumped in despite being a poor swimmer. The staff supported my parents so much, we went home early. It is trult terrifying. It is HEARTBREAKING to see how noone helped this poor boy.

[@bobsledcamelrace]

Only for extremely dumb people

[@julianyc422]

Like Religion. Terrifying.

[@TheEmerald524]

Y’all do know that there is patented technology that can project voices and images into someone’s brain. You can google it. Frequencies to stimulate certain emotions or aggressiveness. It’s truly scary

[@l4dmstr]

I’m a nurse and this one is honestly so sad to me. I see schizophrenic patients fairly frequently and that phone call he made to the police was just so perfect textbook schizophrenia. He clearly needed psychiatric help and was failed let down by the system. That absolutely does not excuse his actions, but it’s just so sad that it was allowed to get to that point.

[@supernova11711]

Thank you for everything you do. Especially with the state of the world right now. So many nurses where I live are just walking off of the job and I don’t blame them! Whatever you make, you deserve a raise.

[@justinpurcell3717]

Exactly... I don't see the point of having "insanity" in court if people who have no idea what they are talking about dismiss the professional advice about it. Putting this guy in a mental institution for a couple years and then shipping him off to prison for life should be a thing and is a net positive. Psychologists having instant access to violent mentally ill people like this is a good thing.

[@carefulilickwindows6881]

@@supernova11711 Nurses get paid enough. I make over 80k in the state of Florida. That is more than enough. I'm not breaking my back roofing for 40-50k like I did for 8 years. Anyone who complains about the pay are privileged and spoiled. My job is insanely easy compared to what I was doing. Obviously there are cons but that is the same with most jobs.

[@D-Ross86]

@@carefulilickwindows6881 yeah FL nurses get paid well

[@hopejoons]

@@carefulilickwindows6881 they were just saying that OP’s work was important and that there is no amount of money that could show their appreciation for nurses

[@be.A.b]

I had a psychotic episode due to a severe vitamin deficiency. Although I was no where near violent, I was definitely delusional. My delusions were relatively benign, because I was an optimistic teenage girl at the time. The few who saw me in that state, spread rumors around that I was schizophrenic. All of a sudden, I was ostracized by family and friends. It was devastating when a few friends and family members never “looked at me the same way” again. That’s when I learned that people see mental illness as a character flaw, not as an actual uncontrolled illness. Although I was no longer “crazy,” I developed severe depression due to the social fallout. Even doctors can be quite ignorant about it, treating me a bit different when I divulge that I had a previous episode. All of a sudden, I’m seen as an unreliable character. I lived in fear that I was “go crazy” again for almost a decade. Now, I’ve come to terms with it, and I’m more confident about my sanity lol. Regardless, I still feel apprehensive mentioning it to anyone. What Travis Rienkin did, was a terrible criminal act, but I understand all too well that the way we treat the mentally ill, had a lot to do with it. Apparently, people have a gut reaction to ignore, ostracize, or go into denial with loved ones suffering from severe delusions. This leads to further suffering down the road, for all involved. Most people who have had a psychotic episode aren’t violent or malicious in their delusions, yet are treated as such. Unfortunately, the ignorant will use cases like this to justify their lack of compassion. On the contrary, compassionate action could have saved every single one of those lives! Society functions better when we help each other out.

[@Liliarthan]

I’m sorry that you went through that. People who haven’t experienced mental health issues (or unable able to admit that they did) can be so horrendously ignorant and abusive. You absolutely did not deserve any of that and I hope you’ve found a much more supportive circle of people around you now. With regard to Travis, I really feel for him (as well as condemn what he did). He shouldn’t have been left with the sole responsibility of attending appointments and taking medication when he was going through psychosis. Ideally we would have supportive and restorative healing facilities with empathetic staff to help him get through the dangerous episode and ensure he has a good routine and support system in place. But that’s really asking for a unicorn when most countries spend all their money on military and giving rich people tax breaks. At the very least, he should have been closely monitored and if he isn’t attending appointments and/or taking his meds and/or is still showing signs of being extremely unwell, then he should have been sectioned or his case escalated to manage the risk of harm to himself and others. I can only imagine how terrifying it would have been for him to believe that he was being stalked and his home intruded upon. I wonder also what led to his parents homeschooling him all that time (I’m not against homeschooling per se but the quality of it is not regulated and kids can become neglected/abused in some homes). I wonder if that level of social isolation contributed to his delusions at all. Such an incredibly sad and terrifying case.

[@joywagner979]

Sometimes all you can do is ignore someone, because you can't help them unless they will help themselves. I have my own personal struggles with things like depression, and understand sometimes even that is too much for other people to deal with. Unless they are my therapist, it isn't their job to deal with it and they have every right to walk away. I cannot begrudge that or take it personally. One of my previous neighbors used to have delusions that I was climbing into her bathroom to steal her shampoo, and things of that nature. (I was not.) She repeatedly called the police to falsely report incidents that never even happened. Other neighbors suggested I "try to befriend her" because "she was just lonely", but once someone has falsely told the LAPD that you microwaved your own cat (who is in fact very much alive to this day) ... there's not much chance of a friendship there, mate. I was never mean to her, just avoided and ignored her, and she still tried to break into my apartment whilst screaming she would kill me and no one could stop her. Eventually another neighbor tried to befriend her, take her shopping and such. She punched the neighbor's husband, then put the building maintenance man in the hospital when he tried to break up the fight. Then she tried to burn down our entire building to "cleanse it of the evil" and "eliminate [my] witchcraft" (which I do not practice; I had just decorated for Halloween). After that, she went to jail and was finally evicted. I don't know where she is now, but probably prison, because she already had a record of multiple felony arrests before this. Sometimes it's okay, even good and necessary, to walk away from someone. If you don't and they refuse to help themselves, you may lose your own life. I'm sorry that is true, but it is, and much smarter people than myself have no idea what to do about it.

[@justv7370]

James is litterally an angel, do you know the bravery u need to go to someone with a huge weapon risking ur life in seconds??? I never been happier seeing someone alive❤❤❤❤

[@hannsolotx8568]

To those who have schizophrenia peacefully taking meds/ checking in w/doctors, THANK YOU. 💝 My mom was was not herself off her meds it was scary. Sending love to the fallen and their families.

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

There are many many people not taking their meds and not shooting up food joints. Just like there are plenty of people killing others who aren't schizophrenic (the police/domestic abusers/drunk drivers/the penal system/serial killers/military personnel, etc). We need to stop demonizing people on or off their meds. It's 2022 not the dark ages.

[@SK4ZAmusic]

I am a shizophrenic, it can be terrifying at moments but medicine helps and sleep helps much more than you'd think, staying up for days on end and not only being sleep deprived but also having hallucinations weighing on your every decision is horrific, I hope your mother is doing okay!

[@tiffanyjackson3979]

@@SK4ZAmusic I hope you're doing okay doll. Take your meds and make sure to see your doctors. You got this and just know someone believes in you.

[@jont551]

My mom too. She never took meds that I know of. She was hospitalized in the 1970s and given shock treatments. Hearing that broke my heart. The day she accused me of being "in on it" was very hard as well. She's at peace now but believed her delusions until the day she passed. I love you mom.

[@hannsolotx8568]

@@SK4ZAmusic thank you for your kind words. Im hoping you're doing well! my mom passed a couple years ago at the age of 69. I'm happy she's at peace. She was doing much better at the end and did the best she could. She had a horrific childhood and her hallucinations were mostly tied to the abuse she suffered.

[@edwardprice1192]

That guy that fought him off in the Waffle House must have just been thinking to fight with everything he had to get home to his family. And he did it, possibly saving lots of lives in the process. He said "I knew I had it in me". ♥️

[@MementoMiri]

His name is Jason, as mentioned in video 😉

[@JamesPanzini]

@@MementoMiri Only to help - His name is James Shaw Jr.

[@Emma88178]

There is still an unfair stigma against people with mental illness, I hate seeing cases like this even though they do happen. But at the same time it's important for people to remember that the vast majority of people with mental illnesses, are kind and loving people who would never dream of hurting anyone.

[@Zombianca42]

Watching the video where he is claiming someone came into his apartment reminded me of my aunt who has paranoid schizophrenia. She said those exact words to me, thinking someone was coming into her apartment and moving her things around while she was asleep or out. Her reality was a constant state of paranoia, unless she took her meds. She hated taking her meds.

[@laurenb7634]

Thank you for covering this story!!! This was my waffle house, I worked here 3rd shift, and this really hurt our team, and specially our community. I hate what this man and his problems did to my friends, and family! I continue to pray about this all the time. We lost 4 great people this morning, and soo many others where hurt and changed forever. As hard as it is to say this, I pray to God Travis gets the help he has soo badly needed while he faces his life sentence. But a big RIP to the four beautiful souls we lost this day!!! Joe Perez, T Sanderlin, Akilah DaSilva, and DeEbony Groves! May you all four rest easy, and I'm still praying for your families!!!!!

[@terribongers2465]

❤

[@carbine090909]

May God's face shinr upon you dear, and give you His peace.

[@anniemcmillen940]

Wow I am so sorry you had to experience this grief! I hope our communities can start taking better care of our mentally ill and these incidents stop.

[@laurenb7634]

Thanks for the sweet words all, I just ask that if you do prat, please say a prayer for the victims families. I have had the pleasure of meeting most of them, and they are all truly wonderful people who need those thoughts, and prayers of comfort and peace.

[@RawOlympia]

What a great loss! May their loved ones find some sort of peace in this unreal tragedy.

[@hojocollider5276]

Glad that they arrested his father as well. This is truly heartbreaking.

[@carmenvalmalaartaraz8260]

I think the father should get a longer sentence than the son. Knowing that the son is schizophrenic, hears voices in his head and thinks that everyone conspires against him, knowing that giving him a gun is criminal.

[@corymalik1324]

@@carmenvalmalaartaraz8260 he may as well loaded the bullets.

[@egoleeech]

Oh totally

[@BrotherMag]

Thank God for that!

[@stickystick105]

@@carmenvalmalaartaraz8260 not sure if you can go any longer than life without parole lol

[@desert_moon]

Untreated schizophrenia is scary. I've had to respond to a few EMS calls... James is a hero!!! I loved what he said about his daughter! 🤣 I hope they have a long, happy life!

[@teejae2065]

We do not take "crazy" seriously in this country. I have a paranoid schizophrenic sister who was in and out of psych care. She had her first child at 16 and 2 more by 22. Once she had kids she got better treatment as they tried to reunite her with her children. The youngest I adopted at birth and the others were surrendered and adopted by other siblings. She needs supervision to stay on meds and thankfully is 100% in a psychiatric group home. She's harmless. But others are not.

[@GiveSic]

James throwing away the weapon was the absolute smartest thing to do in that situation. Separating the weapon from the assailant isn't something everyone in those situations think about immediately. Quick thinking and some balls of steel saved him there.

[@shadominx3696]

These videos makes me want to buy a small weapon, can of pepper spray, taser… anything. This is just getting ridiculously out of control, there’s no reason for this shit anymore. These poor people didn’t deserve this.

[@amberg4131]

This case reminds me a bit of the wife who’s husband suffers from a. Mental illness where they were driving from a long family trip with their baby and he just pulled the car over or she did,and the man was out randomly yelling in the street,acting like he’s in the military listening to a drill Sargent,directing traffic,etc. The police were coming but were like 10 minutes out,the operator instructed her to remove her baby from the car(she had locked the car up to keep the child safe away from the dad cuz he’s not well right now) so she knew that was the best spot for the baby..and she then was just trying to calm him down,she told the operator she gave him his meds but they take 30minutes to kick in and he’s trying to do stuff to her like grabbing on her or getting in the car. The biggest relief is when you hear the cops showing up and the ambulance and at this point you think,”Oh that god,now that man’s going to be helped and that wife would be ok and their baby can be cared for”.-NOPE they shot him. They the cops,thought that they were dealing with someone on drugs and thought he was running at them…There was 4 officers,this was one man in nothing but his boxers with no weapon..And they killed him . Such a sad story

[@acsone3546]

@@amberg4131 name?

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

​@@amberg4131that is absolutely horrific. I can't even imagine calling the cops for any reason these days. Way too trigger happy

[@amberg4131]

@@acsone3546 his name was Brian Layton Cardall... They said he died by taser .but I thought it was shots..his wife's name is Anna. The 911 call is still up. God just having to listen to that again...just to make sure this was the right person. I can't imagine being in her shoes

[@denishapayne9245]

My brother was diagnosed schizophrenia but voluntarily admitted himself to a facility! He could not stand the thought of hurting our mom or family! He hated being in treatment but he stayed for US! Now his meds are stabilized and I have my bro back! He said he'll do anything to not make our fam suffer! I wish all mental health patients could be so self aware! It was the HARDEST time of our life but I thank God we're on a plateau! I personally stay on top of his meds! My Lil bro is still my heart but all those struggling, hang in there!🙌🏾🙏🏾❤

[@frosty_teacup]

Your brother is so strong and admirable. I'm glad you have him back.

[@aaronjustice9020]

That's good. There are different types, what type your brother had isn't my business, but sometimes, in paranoid schizophrenia lack of trust in the people who want to get you help is almost built into the disease.

[@lockedin60]

Glad your brother could get the treatment. I have family members who were diagnosed with schizophrenia. One got the help he needed but stayed in a Mental Hospital the rest of his natural life. My cousin never got the help needed and his family had the means to get him the help need. He died over 23 years ago all alone on a park bench in Florida We just don't do enough for people with severe mental health problems.

[@norml.hugh-mann]

I've met a few schizophrenic women and men over the course of my life..and well, they are all individuals, but have shared many of the same delusional thoughts. Some get deep into religious conspiracy theories, in fact all but one leaned toward the "God is talking to me" type delusion while the one I remain friends with thinks the tectonic plates are moving under control of some force, releasing dangerous mind control gasses at the plate boundaries.... You can look past the delusions to see the person though. Sometimes it's easier than others to communicate and get along....but others not. I do admit that while I may personally know a few schizophrenic, I know only what I have read and experienced. I am so far from an expert. I do notice Travia only seemed to attack minorities

[@uvexeorozahagan5385]

Didnt ask.

[@MelanyMoore-vh7wi]

Gah! This channel is EVERYTHING! 1. True Crime 2. Stories told in a concise, light, but respectful way 3. Irish accent FTW!!!

[@qroxxy]

This was a hard one to watch. My first boyfriend had a mental break while we were dating and never really came back to being himself. So many of the things Travis did reminded me of things he would do (he was also obsessed with being nude in public, for one). His family never got him help and he eventually ended up in prison for possession of child pornography. Now I get notifications from the sex offender registry whenever he gets out on probation (since he has a habit of stalking me and has done other things to me); he always ends up violating the terms somehow and ending up back in within a short amount of time. It’s horrifying how hard it is to get people like this the help they truly need.

[@jameshopkins503]

Lord, that sounds terrible. Please be careful out there.

[@piratealeks6865]

It’s too bad the help rarely works. Our mental health system is barbaric

[@denisehagwood4542]

It's almost impossible to get help. My brother is like this, but every time we reach out we're told "well he didn't threaten anyone or himself so we can't do anything without his permission"

[@teeceedee]

My uncle the same in getting in underwear but he got in fountains and got tattooed after 50 things that were patriotic to my country .rip he really had a rough last 10 years

[@kl4856]

I can’t get over how clear it was that he was a danger to himself and society and how many red flags there were. This was truly avoidable. His dad giving him back his weapons with full knowledge of his behavior is straight criminal

[@andrewthomas891]

His dad should be charged with murder in my view

[@ragefilledvergin]

No.....

[@sunrae7680]

I'm so angry over this case. This didn't have to happen. Why did he go to THIS particular Waffle House ?

[@glorybelieve9010]

Krystal - This IS, THE EXACT REASON WHY THERE ARE SO MANY KIDS JUST LIKE TRAVIS OUT THERE TODAY. They have, These IGNORANT, UNEDUCATED, Completely BRAINDEAD Parents That ENTITLE THEIR CHILDREN, and Give Them EVERY MONETARY BENEFIT AVAILABLE TOO THEM, but The truly important things They should be giving, and providing Them are NEVER DONE. Like showing Them LOVE, COMFORT, EMPATHY, TEACHING THEM, COMPASSION, CARING, GUIDANCE, KINDNESS, RESPECT, AND HELPING OTHER PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES, Being Empathetic too those less fortunate, and Giving PATIENCE when Needed. Those are the things TRAVIS, and HIS PARENTS MISSED.😰🤢 Unfortunately, so many People had too suffer terribly because of it.

[@glorybelieve9010]

@@sunrae7680 - Would You Prefer it be a DIFFERENT “Waffle House”⁉️ Regardless, INNOCENT PEOPLE, WOULD HAVE been Murdered, unnecessarily‼️ Nobody Deserves to DIE, just because someone, decides They are GOING TO GO ON A KILLING SPREE😤 If , it were Your Family Members, I AM TRULY SORRY😰 No-one SHOULD HAVE DIED THAT DAY, BUT TRAVIS‼️ IF THESE LUNATICS WANT TOO KILL SOMEONE, KILL THEMSELVES. But, Do NOT, go out, and Murder INNOCENT PEOPLE, and Then CLAIM THEY Where SOO Mentally Incompetent, that They had No idea what They were Doing😤 When HE HAD THE CLEAR MIND, too Drive to the Waffle House with a Fully Loaded Firearm, with Extra Ammunition, get out of His vehicle, immediately start to fire at the People, point blank, and continue to enhance on them, and if NOT FOR THE HERO, That APPROACHED THIS COWARD, too STOP HIM, He would HAVE CONTINUED 🤬 THEY SHOULD FRY HIS ASS. Prison is too GOOD for HIM💀❌☠️👹👿‼️

[@shelleymarks9287]

As a paramedic we used to run calls on a guy that was very mentally unstable. When his Dad was alive, he kept him on his meds and under control. However, after his Dad passed, he went off the deep end and it became more and more terrifying to respond to his home, to the point that we would have law enforcement respond before us. Then one night he finally got into a stand off with law enforcement, was arrested and sent to a State hospital.

[@isabellaangeline2175]

It’s sad that it has to come to extremes before someone is given the help they need. I’ve been through this with my mom and it took over a year. This country is a joke. What’s disgusting is that in states like Texas, it’s easier to get a gun than psychiatric help.

[@hsimpson7267]

Then... what? He got the help he needed and all was ok?

[@faerierain7536]

@@hsimpson7267paramedics don’t always know the full story, this might very well be all the info they have

[@terrycollins3940]

You shouldn’t be talking about this your a professional remember

[@faerierain7536]

@@terrycollins3940 they haven’t even remotely violated hipaa genius

[@TheScapegoat420]

Sad story man. There was a lot of people who knew he was having problems. Sucks he didn't receive the help he so desperately needed. I know how it is to need help and everyone you know doesn't help. Something horrible happens and everyone that could have helped gossips and points fingers. He was clearly in a state of psychosis. I feel like this guy should have been sent to a hospital first.

[@MichelleTripp]

Well if they are adult the parent's or police can't really do a lot legally until something like this . Really sad .

[@SocialWorkerLoveMyPeeps]

I feel you, Mike. I’m conflicted as well. I work in the MH field with clients who experience extreme MH issues. I always tell them: you diagnoses the REASON you are the way you are…but your diagnoses are NOT a valid EXCUSE for what you choose to do.

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

I wouldn’t wish schizophrenia on my worst enemy. It’s a living hell. Mental health services really dropped the ball on this one.

[@Alyssamariem3]

I did a clinical rotation for nursing school in a psychiatric unit. My patient was a young woman with paranoid schizophrenia who sadly had already been living there for years. Super heartbreaking

[@NeCoruption]

They always do. My GF brother is someone I imagine mike is going to have a story about one day, and I hope I'm not a statistic.. cps and everyone else acting like hes fine.. dude is gone

[@moni2624]

The family first tho

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

@@Alyssamariem3 Yes, I worked with special needs youngsters for decades before retiring. So many sad stories.

[@bopeep86]

...and his dad dropped the ball...handing him a gun...

[@s.castellino4306]

His parents, that hospital, the system, at every step failed these victims and Travis. I wonder how his parents especially his father feel now. James is a hero and extremely brave what a humble and good human

[@lizateba6519]

Yep,I wonder the same thing. He must be so proud!!! He had the power, legally,to have him committed, especially after the pink dress. Don't forget his returning his guns. Like wtf! This is so hard to understand. I'm bipolar and at 34,my mom's still all over my ass like hair on soap and I've been out of the house, living alone since I was 17. This just makes me so mad at his folk.

[@lits5984]

Agree 100%!

[@jettsoma]

They should be sued for wrongful death. It’s the father’s fault he had the rifle.

[@ransakreject5221]

Nope. The politicians did. There all many thousands or insane people walking around who’s family and the police know have to be put away. But the people vote for pols that care more about the rights of criminals than victims. Every cop I know know many like this kid that are insane and gonna hurt people, They are not allowed to do anything

[@cabdriver4103]

But it makes you feel, or should, why do people think they should transition, should be evaluated, perhaps for their own good, or ours

[@justanotherhuman8592]

I’m amazed he was mentally fit to go to trial. He was failed by everyone including his dad. Sad case all around. Nobody wins. I get people want justice for the deaths but he DID need help. Literally insane. He should be in a hospital right now. This one is a tough one tbh.

[@FishAreFriendsNotFood]

The police going to the wrong waffle house just further cements my disappointment in the service these people provide, especially when we have area codes and satnav GPS. It's inexcusable imo.

[@xkmmx2132]

That dude that stopped it is truly BATMAN!!! What a serious hero. All he could think of was that peoples lives were on the line and he refused to standby

[@freydaym4514]

Doubt it, he was just trying to save his own life because he slipped and became an immediate target, nobody else was even in sight at that moment. He was in full fight or flight mode. The rest is just a happy outcome of him saving his own life. Nothing against him, let's just keep it real.

[@emilyk1926]

James is a hero, genuinely. His desire to survive meant his little girl didn’t lose her daddy that night, and many others in that restaurant weren’t lost by their families. Rest in peace to the four people killed. There’s no sense in what happened to them. I truly hope their families have found some sort of peace ❤

[@hdofu]

until monsters like this are getting put down like the rabid dogs they are, how can they?

[@lj0727]

He for sure is a hero. He seems like a great guy. What he said about "fighting his daughter to sleep every night" giving him combat training made me laugh lol super cute.

[@BiLLz66614]

That family failed that kid. Its as much on them as it is him. Unreal how they just let him out in the world to act that way and did nothing to help.

[@Itried20takennames]

I have worked in inpatient psychiatry, and would add that many think from movies that psychiatrists can snap their fingers and “lock someone up” forcing them to “get the help they need.” There are 2-3 reasons that doesn’t happen irl: 1. What is “the help they need?” The depressing reality is that there is no current, consistently effective treatment for schizophrenia, which is fairly common (affecting about 1% of us). Some do a bit better with meds, but others don’t, and it often takes many tries of different meds and the meds can have enough side effects that at times it’s hard to tell if they are a net benefit or not. 2. The days of longterm stays in psychiatric hospitals are long gone, and of the very few psych hospitals that remain, the stay for even for serious events is 2-4 days. Most psych hospitals were closed under Reagan, and the few that remain often don’t even break even financially and are just kept running as a community service (such as where I worked). Everyone wants more psychiatric services, but no one wants to pay for them. 3. It varies a bit by state, but the legal threshold for involuntary treatment (before a crime has happened) is incredibly high…you are legally allowed to have odd beliefs, or to do odd things, or make bad decisions, you are even allowed to hurt yourself to a large degree and the Hollywood fantasy locking someone up because “they MIGHT do SOMETHING” is not true…it’s laughably vague. I saw a case of an elderly person who would hang outside their 4th story apartment window in winter for hours, thinking poison gas was being pumped into their apartment. After many community complaints, we applied for involuntary treatment (after offering help many times in many ways) and were told that was not even close to being enough of a risk for the person or the community for involuntary care. So, the psych doctor can know it’s a bad situation, but if a person declines treatment, little to nothing they can do legally unless the person makes a statement that they have an imminent, planned attack. It is a large part of why I switched medical specialties.

[@-Reagan]

James Shaw Jr. the man who tackled Travis in the Waffle House no doubt saved a lot of lives. ❤ He’s a hero. I hope he heals from this. The city owes him a medal 🥇 and a million dollars 💵

[@StoneyGamerNetwork]

My cousin was roommates with the guy that stopped him. He says he a modest guy but he is a real hero.

[@mattolivier1835]

Yup, more of a hero than the dirty pig coward cops!

[@Maikoh-ud4eu]

James is the definition of a humble hero 🥰

[@athinadc]

James is a hero it’s incredible how he saved people’s lives by being so brave that day looking right in the face of evil while doing it too, true hero

[@MrVenat0r]

Man, that guy really needed help. This whole situation is messed up.

[@lorellgingrich6603]

There is no help ... until something awful like this happens. Mental health services everywhere don't help, particularly if the person is an adult and refuses help

[@DawgMama]

Agreed, this is heartbreaking. I'm sure his family just didn't know what to do. The stigma attached to mental illness doesn't help. :(

[@flynick]

I blame Taylor Swift...

[@amye823]

@@flynick 😆

[@obfuscatethecode5696]

@@DawgMama his parents gave him back his guns. That doesn’t sound like normal parent behavior when you know your kid has mental health issues

[@christishepherd2676]

His parents, certainly his dad, bear some culpability for his actions. This was preventable and tragic.

[@IHeArTrOcK20]

Seriously the fact that he gave him the gun back knowing his mental state. I feel like the dad should be in jail tbh

[@trevnti]

Morally yes. But it’s easy to point blame. Ppl who aren’t around those with severe disorders don’t fully understand that it’s stressful and time consuming to deal with, and many ppl, especially if the damn doctor didn’t go into how severe this can be, don’t know the ramifications or how to deal with this. I blame the doctor more, the doctor diagnosed him early, gave him meds and sent him back into the world. If you don’t explain to caretakers what needs to be done, if you don’t do follow ups regarding medication, if you don’t prescribe them treatment, as the professional diagnosing them, then how are lay ppl supposed to know what to do?

[@combatduckie]

as do the mental hospital doctors who did NOT monitor whether he takes his medications.

[@GamingBallz]

Yeah his dad made the biggest mistake but there were so many other red flags that it shouldn’t have came down on just him either being “at fault” If he was determined to do such a thing he was going to either way

[@christishepherd2676]

@@GamingBallz I totally agree, there were so many different balls dropped with this case. There were so many people that could have intervened. However I feel that his dad giving him his guns back and abled him to carry out his plan quicker, rather than having to try to find another weapon or try to find another way. I just mean his dad made it easier for him.

[@JadeBlakeVideos]

What a shame this was Travis clearly needed help a long time ago. Everyone who could have helped him just failed him and they are partly responsible for the tragic ending.

[@gtt8428]

He was a good looking guy he easily could of got an awesome wife and all that, it's all so tragic and unnecessary

[@kenw2225]

He was with Taylor swift. He didn't any basic average wife.

[@Ashakat42]

His dad should be held accountable for giving those damn weapons back.

[@kimberleesara9486]

You guys have no idea how hard it is to get someone like this help. My sister has paranoid schizophrenia- it’s next to impossible.

[@Barbara.Barany]

True. One of the most difficult mental issues to handle -both for the patient and for the family and friends as well. That’s why I hope he receives medication in prison and gets some relief.

[@budgles]

But what IS possible is not handing him back an assault rifle.

[@kimberleesara9486]

@@Barbara.Barany it’s torture. it’s terrible. I really pray he gets help too. Literally all exactly things my sister says/does (besides the murder part) (so far) I’ve tried everything, but she’s her own legal guardian (even though I’ve tried to change that too) so I can’t MAKE her take her meds or anything so. It’s just a nightmare

[@Purya]

That's exactly why I think he should've been declared insane and sent to a psychiatric facility to get proper treatment, not to prison. Life would be torturous for this guy in prison. There is no mental healthcare in prison. What was the jury thinking of? This guy is clearly insane & didn't deserve life sentence. His dad though, he is the real guilty one and should get arrested.

[@sunrae7680]

Most people with mental health don't kill people. But, I do understand.

[@dedederp2693]

When James talks about how he got the gun away from Travis he makes it seem like he was up against someone who was tired and done with their actions but watching the security footage, that was a struggle and fight if I’ve ever seen one. James is such a humble good guy

[@jquick85]

I’ve talked to James a couple of times. I agree!

[@sue1384]

Thank you for putting the pictures up at the end. They deserve to be honored. 😢

[@melissamoonchild9216]

I have a dear, dear friend with schizophrenia. hes a wonderfully compassionate person who would never hurt anyone, but he has told me before if he didnt have an excellent support system he definitely would have slipped between the cracks. Im sorry Travis didn't have that.

[@nawlinsdawg]

I’ve been the live-in caregiver of a friend with severe schizophrenia for 17 years now. He’s the most consistently supportive, loving friend I’ve ever had. He also believes that doctors and lawyers have been conspiring against him since birth, even though he’s been on medication and has had outpatient psychiatric therapy as long as he’s lived with me. I don’t know if he has it in him to ever actually be violent with anyone, but it’s clear that he needs supportive care and should never have access to weapons. Seeing this video makes me wonder if Travis had had the kind of supportive care he so obviously needed, whether any of this would’ve ever happened.

[@vivienneclarke2421]

Takes a special person to do what you're doing. He's lucky to have a friend like you.......

[@AtziLS]

Schizophrenia runs deep in my family. My uncle on my mother's side had it and my cousin and brother are both also diagnosed. My brother has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and he's been on medication for nearly 10 years now. It's a similar story. He very easily falls into conspiracy holes and will run off on a tangent about people out to get him. His medication leaves him very tired and he spends most of his days sleeping. My cousin was also medicated and taken care of by his parents but if he's not carefully monitored and made to take his medication he's prone to violent outbursts. It became too much for them and he's not being taken care of by full-time nurses. I wish Travis had the support he needed, perhaps this wouldn't have had happened. It's sad how this all happened. I see no justice here. Travis desperately needed help and unfortunately didn't get the chance to receive it until it was too late for everyone else.

[@cartimandua_]

If he didn't have his meds or your support for years on end - who knows what he would feel he had to do to survive. I work in mental health - one client almost starved to death as the voices told him he could only eat spaghetti - we thought he was eating Bolognese - but he was actually chewing dry spaghetti and that was all. The brain is a complicated thing.

[@suzimonkey345]

“Care in the Community” (that’s what the system is called in Britain) has been wonderful for severely mentally ill people who have a strong support network & have their condition well controlled with prescription meds. (Which are free, like all medical care in Britain) With budget cuts, Care in the Community is often the excuse made by the government when violent, paranoid patients without a support network, tragically kill themselves (more common) or hurt others. I so glad that we don’t have easily accessible guns here! I lived in Texas, USA for a couple of decades, I’m well versed on the gun debate.

[@sunshine3914]

Obviously his parents were in complete denial. Lots of religious folks up there who don’t believe mental illness is real. They believe it’s being faked because “free will”.

[@sharkymama]

I lost my Schizophrenic brother last year on Valentine’s Day. He took his own life . I wouldn’t wish his experiences on anyone he lived in his own private hell. Watching this video is very emotional, I can feel my brothers pain . It’s such a horrible mental illness. And yet I miss him dearly 😢

[@razztazz1982]

Sorry for your loss.

[@mommarose7429]

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your brother. I lost mine the same way. He took his own life. I could never imagine the pain he went through. Sending prayers to you.

[@sharkymama]

@@razztazz1982 thank you 🙏

[@sharkymama]

@@mommarose7429 it seems that the world never understands what they go through, or what we as their loved ones go through. It was always a challenge finding someone I could share my experiences with. Hugs to you ❤️🙏

[@user-ps2mi9ze5v]

Sincere condolences

[@scorpiokhaleesi]

This is a tough one. I actually feel bad for this guy despite what he did because his friends and family definitely failed him at the expense of the four ppl and even his life. His face at sentencing was heartbreaking.

[@Beautifulclouds60]

Yeah, it almost reminded me of a child wondering what was going on, what did they do and completely lost. What he did was horrific and he needed to be held accountable for it. He needed help for a long time and it seems his parents and the system failed to even recognize it.

[@richardlippincott8881]

Bravo, James Shaw!!!

[@Benderrr111]

Paranoid schizophrenia is a very sinister disease. The problem is that they don't believe they are sick and think they people who are trying to help them, take them to doctor are in on the conspiracy. They are suspicious of everything, wont take medicine because they think someone is trying to poison them etc. My cousin, with whom I grew up with, has got it and it's extremely heartbreaking. She lives in the hell of her own creation. I am really sad and concerned for her...

[@BASEBALLHISTOR]

She better get him out there

[@cindymelgar2259]

Really scary and sad how damaging this mental disease is.. and how there's no cure for it. So messed up. 😢😞

[@cindymelgar2259]

Really scary and sad how damaging this mental disease is.. and how there's no cure for it. So messed up. 😢😞

[@DoyleShadduck]

I’m a schizophrenic , and so am I..😝

[@franknittyyy]

​​@@DoyleShadduckleave me alone 😭

[@soundtravels4348]

This is one of the saddest incidents you've ever covered. I feel for the victims and their families. I feel for Travis, he was clearly a very unwell man and if the system hadn't failed him those four people would still be here 😢

[@luanagardner1815]

So the judge decided that she knows more than the medical doctor??

[@chronicmonkey]

Dude belongs in a high security psychiatric facility getting the treatment everyone around him failed to help him get. The father should be held more into account for his actions and lack of action that lead to these events. I feel for the families affected by the violence that could have been avoided. It's tragic and heartbreaking. I also feel for Travis. Everyone around him did him dirty. Psychosis is scary af. I can't imagine the anguish of suffering with untreated schizophrenia.

[@Robinson67]

💯

[@avamasquerade]

The problem with that in the states is that there's a risk, no, actually, there's damn near a certainty they'd let them out.

[@JesussyTwerkin]

BRUHHHH UHHH YES JESUSSSS

[@howgreenwasmyvalley9686]

Highly inappropriate to be joking about this but trust certain breeds to use every opportunity to either show themselves as gangsters or rising stars in the rapper world. That world really does just spew out criminality, violence and death.

[@SaturdaySoul]

Agreed. The system failed him repeatedly. His father failed society by giving him the firearms back.

[@kristinkoltick8328]

A friend of mine worked on Travis’ defense and got to know him and his family. This is such a massive systemic failure for everyone involved. So sad. Thanks for covering this case. We, as a people, need to recognize signs of trouble and advocate loudly for intervention before tragedy and this is a good insight into that.

[@phoenixmerridian9119]

I've seen quite a few interrogations / interviews lately with schizophrenic people and once you see the signs, they are so sadly obvious. But to anyone who doesn't care or believe in mental illness, they just think they are drunk / on drugs and liars. One of the saddest was a black woman who was studying to be an attorney or something, and her brain just decided to break. She was telling them they had to lock her up because she will hurt someone else. Imagine what it must feel like to be trapped inside your own brain like that. And of course people want to say that nothing is wrong with her she's just a bad person.

[@sunshine3914]

Huge massive fail giving the firearms back. I want to know WTF the dad was thinking.

[@brianwhitt5331]

I really do feel bad for this guy. I feel bad for the victims of this case as well of course. It just is very obvious this guy was so sick and needed to be treated. It can't be up to him to realize it and get help.

[@MyPlace-eb7fb]

Huge massive system failures in most situations in America.

[@MyPlace-eb7fb]

@@brianwhitt5331 Most people who do bad things are sick, but we have a special amount of sadness when the sick person is middle class instead of poor. Poor sick people get very little sympathy from people.

[@Tomdog83]

How in the hell can a state determine a man unfit to stand trial and the judge just say...."Nope, that doesn't count!!"

[@jaguarpaw4632]

I'm in the US and your accient makes me giggle sometimes. No harm ment. The little narrating is comical. I dont sub to paid programming but I'll make an acception in this case because you make me smile. Thank you.

[@ANGELA-ss8ns]

There are so many people like Travis out there, falling through the cracks. Our mental health care system is a joke. My brother suffers from this, he is currently living in his car in Eugene Oregon. He thinks rappers are out to get him, and he dated a us congresswoman. He even went to NJ to meet her. He will not get help! My father told him not to call him anymore until he gets help from a Doctor. I’ve tried to tell him it wouldn’t hurt to get a check up. He won’t! The police won’t do anything until he hurts himself or someone else. I belong to a fb support group for the loved ones of those who suffer and the stories are all the same. It’s so very sad!

[@Obviouslyced]

I wish you the strenght and love to deal with your situation. And i sure hope some anger towards the healthcare system alleviates at least some of the pain, sometimes. The whole time while watching this story unfold i was thinking:"why won't anyone help this guy?" There must be some willful intent involved within politics to let this happen over and over again. I'm pretty sure it is a decision at this point not to help society by supporting the individual. Sure, theres personal responsibility - what Travis and his father did was wrong - but politics made this so it was possible.

[@circusofsix]

the ripple effect of mental illness is truly devastating. the system is broken.

[@DJSLANKMAN]

I work in the er and work with the psychiatrist in admitting these type of people. It’s sad a lot do fall through the cracks and are seen so frequently that they just discharge them due to it being such a hassle at times. Wish you good luck with your family member

[@ws8061]

Worst thing Regan did was defund our state ran asylums (the move was backed by lefties who figured suffering on the street was better than being kept in a mental facility before anyone starts to feel a little self righteous) to move towards "community mental health treatment". My great Grandmother spent several stints of her life in one of these institutions and she would get better and come back out for a few years then start to get bad again and go back in and eventually passed on at Broughton in NC but at least we always knew she was safe... I recently worked with a woman with an adolescent around 16 who suffered from severe mental health problems, she was a nurses aide so by no means rich, and her and her husband made the difficult decision to remand custody to the State of their child because otherwise they didn't have the capacity or resources to take care of her. It's just sad and we need to take care of these people as a society because it's often too burdensome for individual families as much as they care... I'm a right leaning person but if our tax money could go to anything taking care of these people would be it, in fact I think it's a core competency of a Gov. that the richest Gov. and Country ever in existence is failing at......

[@kingc8531]

@@ws8061 The US government is too busy using all of your money to fund wars all around the world, while enriching themselves in the process. This is a problem with both parties working for the same elites. It's a faux democracy in America (and it seems most of the West is following suit, supporting US elitist agendas, even at the behest of their own citizens)

[@beth-bi9yv]

James is such a hero in this. Can't imagine how much worse this would have been without his actions.

[@LeeDee5]

What an incredible man

[@jodiegalloway3614]

Yes indeed! A true hero and kind soul

[@ImRanchWilder]

I wonder if Travis had planned to kill himself at the end

[@Becauseoftheimplicatons]

Especially since the police went to the wrong address. Smh They probably were just standing back and waiting for the shooting to stop, like in Uvalde.

[@sunrae7680]

@@Becauseoftheimplicatons EXACTLY!! Look at his victim s. Coincidence ????

[@clairepeters4964]

Hi Mike, I never post comments so this is a rare one! You are so charming and wonderful and your channel helps me every day. Severe insomnia means I have a lot of youtube time on my hands and your channel has comforted me daily for a long time. Keep up the good work! Your sense of humour tickles my funny bone so good on you! Have a beautiful day!

[@crystal.hangovergang]

God bless James. He is absolutely a true hero! My heart goes out to all the loved ones of the victims!

[@BeautflDisaster4]

As a Nashvillian, I never thought we would be featured on your channel! James is a local celebrity now. What a hero.

[@berlyn3014]

I live about 100 miles west of there in the edge of West Tn. James Shaw Jr is a hero and I love how humble he was every time he was interviewed.

[@Kim-yy4zd]

Yes he is !

[@Svveet69]

Ive been thinking of moving to Nashville when i move back to the states. Ive never been there but have friends who love the city

[@eggsngritstn]

Same. However, we've had plenty of good ones. Perry March would be a great That Chapter. (I was a little taken aback at how close he was to my parent's house when he was on the run.)

[@ooicur412]

For the victims and their families, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart feels your pain. His father needs to be held accountable for his lack of addressing his sons unspeakable crimes.

[@emilythetube]

I really appreciate the effort you put in your videos. You have one of the best true crime channels. Thank you!!

[@cydkriletich6538]

This is such a tragedy all the way around. I have seen several documentaries about parents who know their kid is in trouble, seek help from professionals, and get nothing…or perhaps pills. What his father was thinking when he gave weapons back to his mentally deranged son is beyond me.

[@Littleheartz-y1t]

My brown parents would call me a 100 times if i have flu and some parents sleeping over their childs mental illness is unbelievable

[@knottybone]

Where I live is the case of Isaac Zamora. He killed 6 and injured 4. Before he broke, his family...mother in particular...had been trying to get him help for years. And nothing was ever done. This is not to excuse what he did. But some intervention could have stopped it all.

[@cydkriletich6538]

@@knottybone I can’t imagine the horror of a good parent who is certain their kid is going to end up in some serious trouble, so they try to get help and get none, and then the kid does something horrendous and everyone wants to blame the parent.

[@briggyb]

As a family member with somebody who is a schizophrenic, often there's nothing we can do. We have tried getting him help in so many different ways. But medical intervention only works if they're threatening the lives of themselves or somebody else. And even then, often it's not taken serious. It's incredibly frustrating to watch someone that you love fall apart. It's heartbreaking. And it's scary.

[@Mary_Beth_Reimer]

{{{hugs}}} I am sorry you have to cope with that.

[@taydestiny38]

I agree and sympathize with you. However, this guy’s parents enabled him. They even gave this guys weapons back to him, knowing his condition. As far as I’m concerned, they are just as responsible for the tragedy and should be thrown in jail.

[@zacharyberridge7239]

My ex-wife developed bipolar and refused medication. Hell, she refused a diagnosis, but it was painfully obvious. Her own family pretended that it was all fine, even after she ended up arrested. It was the most painful experiences of my life. And yes, it did destroy the marriage.

[@ladosis5596]

Often you need a judicial order for mandatory,long term injectable antipsychotics for a case like this. This kind of paranoia is dangerous for everybody involved.

[@honeykenzie0762]

What about 5150? You can't do that? I know its not much but its something

[@My_So-called_Life]

I can't believe that I've been watching you 😮 since the 'multiple hats & old desk' days. 💋

[@rebpos6519]

The sane person that should be held most liable here is the dad. The kid shouldn't be in prison, rather psych custody whatever that looks like. Ugh.. thank God for the hero in this story!

[@MissJellybean]

So many missed opportunities to not only get this man help, but to completely prevent what happened at that Waffle House. Those souls who were just wanting to get some hash browns,bacon., or to simply use the phone . To the man who bravely held onto that scalding hot barrel of that gun, I wish him nothing but all the good things life has to offer. My condolences to the families. What an absolutely preventable tragedy.

[@bishyeahbish3758]

But it goes without saying that if someone has someone holding a gun infront of them fearing they're gonna be shot then anyone would be fine grabbing a red hot barrel (the option of "ouch that's hot, ohh no look, now you could shoot me).....c'mon now 🤦🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

[@amberbanuelos7053]

Beautifully stated. If Travis had gotten the help he needed, those four souls would likely be alive today. What Travis did was no accident, but it’s not clear he fully did have a choice due to his mental illness. His father certainly had one, and he should face far more than three years for essentially giving the green light to murder people. Who gives any gun, let alone an AR-15, to someone they previously wanted committed to a mental institution?!

[@eatshitlarrypage.3319]

Sadly this happens a lot. Police just aren't equipped to handle people going through mental health crises. That was the whole point of the short lived "Defund The Police" movement, to take some of that inflated budget and put it into people who can handle scenarios like this PROPERLY. Make no mistake, his dad and the police that just ignored his actions are directly responsible for these people's deaths.

[@akbar41]

a) Dude, you do a really good job of presenting your show. b) James Shaw, Jr. is a hero and inspiration, and in a tale that is sad in so many ways, his actions, not only in saving people but also helping people after the danger was gone, gives this story real meaning.

[@daCubanaqt]

Thank you for highlighting what James Shaw Jr did. A lot of the comments are focused on the gunman and the fact that his father gave him back the weapons the police took away. We will never know how many lives James saved that night. Thank goodness he was there and was brave enough to confront the gunman. RIP to the victims who lost their lives. So young and so much life to live just snuffed out.

[@MadScientist267]

I would vote a) as cringey 🙄

[@AnyoneCanSee]

Police operator: "And whose stalking you?" Travis: "Taylor Swift!"

[@chriswashburn9039]

Why in hell would his parents do nothing to get him some help? They need to be held accountable as well! Prayers to the families of the victims and what a wonderful hero we have in the young man who stopped the carnage.

[@RIVALContentJammerz]

They did nothing?

[@Marcomanexists]

James is a real life hero for what he did. Top class human being.

[@christolbert4628]

His dad should be in the same cell as he, for just as long. Prayers to the victims families 🙏

[@annettedailey6743]

Uhm his dad tried to get him help..

[@thomson872]

@@annettedailey6743 Sure... by giving him back the lethal weapons that the Secret Service confiscated. They even told the father that Travis can't have them.

[@eatshitlarrypage.3319]

@@thomson872 He promised he would keep them secured and away from Travis, then immediately turned around and gave them back. How much you bet he was one of those "MY SECOND MENDMUNT RAHTS" idiots?

[@freydaym4514]

Eat Shit Larry Page You're the idiot for thinking there is anything wrong with the 2nd amendment, damn what a retarded thing to say.

[@carlosisaias7268]

no how about you be in the cell. your not a judge so stop with your worthless opinions.

[@BridgetStuart]

@10:23 - MAJOR KUDOS to the 911 dispatcher for keeping her cool and responding so calmly and believably.

[@jessicasmith6873]

Poor dude. No one chooses to be that nucking futs

[@lisa-mariwouda2653]

I feel so sorry for the victims, and I feel sorry for Travis, who never got the treatment he so dearly needed. 5 lives ruined.

[@JohnRiversOfficial]

thanks mom

[@fluffyfour]

Not just five lives. All the family, friends and colleagues of the victims as well.

[@Sara.Rose.]

Poor guy! He genuinely needed help

[@eldaabouffartiqueroyer3790]

I believe the father was responsible for what happened to Travis and the father should Serve time for the murders and attempted murders

[@kathleen_00]

I'm sure a lot more than 5 lives were ruined that day. Heartbreaking

[@nadirkhan2250]

I may have said this in the comments section probably 15 other times or so, but I'm always still compelled to say it. Mike, the effort you put in your research and the way you tell your stories... I have so much respect for your hard work. Hope you realise your efforts are truly appreciated by your viewers. Thanks mate!

[@MrStringybark]

I hope Mike doesn't read too much into this and doesn't start stalking you!!!!😂

[@JoshuaFinancialPL]

a friend I'd known since childhood became schizophrenic at age 19. he thought Peter Gabriel was trying to send personal messages to him through his music. and finally, nothing good ever happened at a waffle house.

[@wastedwarrior1045]

Sad Story 😔 All Around Glad 😊We still have Some Hero’s in this World 🌎

[@baffledanderanged2101]

Instead of just giving Travis medication for his scitzophrenia and sending him on his way,he should've been kept in a facility for a longer time and observed to make sure the meds were working and Travis was good to go. What a messed up mental health system we have here in America.

[@Mary_Beth_Reimer]

I agree with you

[@FC-hj9ub]

Yeah, and how do you get him admitted to a facility? Talk is very cheap

[@agatahb]

I'm sorry, but your entire health care system is beyond effed up. One of the richest and most powerful countries in the world, yet people lose everything, when they get sick... it's a travesty

[@leemcr1894]

@@agatahb I've got to agree with you. Surely everyone must agree with your comments? Because its certainly how it looks to me from the outside, looking in and observing, and listening to allsorts of anecdotal stories (horror stories mostly?)

[@RatTrap1967]

He would've just left & stopped taking his meds. I once knew a man with schizophrenia....he told me about the voices in his head. He'd go to a mental hospital for 1 month, take his meds for a few days, then stop. Then off to the mental hospital again for 1 month. The cycle continued to repeat itself until one day he killed someone & then killed himself.

[@organismgel1043]

Travis's Dad returning his guns to Trevor is a perfect microcosm of the general problem with current mental health and firearm laws and attitudes.

[@terrancewood9322]

How is it a problem with firearms laws when the laws took his guns away? The dad gave him his guns in violation of firearms laws, and he got charged.

[@kathleenwisialowski4558]

James is one brave soul. An American Hero.

[@luanagardner1815]

This case makes me so angry and sad for the 'criminal'!

[@thatsokimberly]

James Shaw Jr seems like such an angel. His statement is so powerful, and what he did for those people is so amazing. I am so glad he got to go home to his daughter that night. RIP to the four that could’ve been saved had Travis gotten the help he needed. 😭

[@1996cowbell]

Omg literally just thinking the same thing. He seems like such a light. I bet the others were too. This is so so sad

[@guhrizzlybaire]

He is an Angel for sure!! He was so brave. And he's a father and just risked it all to save others. Made me pretty emotional.

[@MechanicalDragonfly]

I hear people say all the time, "the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is for there to be a good guy with a gun." Bullshit. James Shaw Jr didn't need a gun to be a hero.

[@LottoWavy]

Two people very close in my life are schizophrenic, it’s so hard to get them help because what they’re seeing and going through is real to them so any kind of help I try and get them immediately makes me an enemy. Horrible awful disease.

[@MeeSanFrancisco]

I literally thought that exact same thing as I watched this. To them it's 100% real what a catch 22! --- P.S. Good luck and God Bless.

[@mom.left.me.at.michaels9951]

Not sure if this is my place but I hope to help, there's a channel I think it's called "schizophrenic hippie". Something like that, anyway he uses his phones camera to see if his visual hallucinations are "really there" as he says. While his brain is interpreting "shadow" as he referred to them the camera lens will not. So being able to "see" for himself has been a help to him. It is very terrifying from their perspective, to be essentially haunted by something with no escape and have no one believe you. While to us we don't believe them because it's clearly not there, while to them it's just as obvious that it is. It's different with the phone because the phone doesn't make them feel more or less valid, only because it's an object and not a person who in their perspective would have an "agenda". I hope that makes sense. Obviously I am not a mental health professional, actually I'm a patient 😅. But I have witnessed it working, and IMO anything that can help and is low-risk to try is worth sharing.

[@LottoWavy]

@@mom.left.me.at.michaels9951 That’s a great idea! I’ll try and see if I can get either of them to do that, even suggesting the things they’re seeing aren’t real gets the both of them extremely upset so I’ll have to approach that carefully but hopefully that may help. Thank you!

[@mom.left.me.at.michaels9951]

@@LottoWavy I hope so! I honestly can understand how they feel in some aspect. I grew up in a household where reality was up for debate quite often. ( Though my mom has never gotten help long enough to get any kind of diagnosis). It can be just so, so frustrating to feel like well in my own experience, that I just can not get people to take me seriously sometimes. About things that seem so plainly obvious to me. I think that's why if it's like their own phone, that they hopefully don't think is hacked or something ( that's honestly what my mom would say 😅 no guarantees), that they can use anytime they feel like they need it, might be useful. Like a tool that's giving them more control, not something else to prove them wrong? Hopefully. I obviously don't know any of you personally and not trying to tell you like how to treat people, that's just how I think it would go well if it was presented to me. I can see if I can find the channel if you like. He is an amazing example of someone that is handling it well, there were other tricks he had. I just remember the camera one being especially cool and interesting. Like opposite check if it's a vampire with a mirror but actually helpful in real life.