James David Autry was born on September 27, 1954, in Amarillo, Texas. He grew up in a large family as one of six children. His parents were James Autry Sr. and Shirley Stucca. When James was young, his parents divorced. He claimed that his father often beat him during his childhood, which created a difficult home life for him.

James started getting into trouble at a young age. By the time he was 13, he was sent to a juvenile reform school in Gatesville. His offenses included shoplifting and running away from home. While in reform school, he completed his high school education and earned his diploma. He was released from the reform school shortly after his 18th birthday in September 1972.

On April 20, 1980, James David Autry entered a Sak-N-Pak convenience store in Port Arthur, Texas. He attempted to steal a six-pack of beer. The clerk, 43-year-old Shirley Drouet, confronted him and requested payment. In response, Autry pulled out a .38 caliber pistol and shot her in the forehead.

After the initial shooting, Autry left the store but returned shortly after. He found two customers, 43-year-old Joseph Broussard and 30-year-old Anthanasios Svarnas, looking at Drouet's body. Fearing they could identify him, he shot them both. Broussard was shot in the head and neck, resulting in his death. Svarnas was severely injured but survived, suffering from permanent brain damage.

Police arrived quickly after receiving reports of the shooting. They discovered Broussard's lifeless body inside the store, while Svarnas was found outside in the parking lot. Drouet was also pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Autry had not taken any money from the register or the victims' wallets.

Autry was arrested later that day at a mobile home he shared with a friend. Despite denying his involvement, a phone call made to his mother revealed that he admitted to intending to rob the store, and that things had escalated.

Autry was convicted of capital murder and was sentenced to death. On March 14, 1984, he was executed by lethal injection in Texas. He was 29 years old at the time of his death.