1995 Buick Regal - Strange Electronic Glitches, No Start

[architect]

The car was working fine until it wouldn't shift out of park. While trying to replace the solenoid in my car I had the radio on for a good 30mins, confused about how the solenoid replacements works. Without getting the solenoid replaced, but finally being able to get the car out of park, I decided to start the car but it won't go. The dash started to flicker and can hear the relay ticking. Weird electronic glitches started to happen, like turning the signal would flicker the radio button lights. Feels like something is shorting out but can't tell and not electronically inclined. After trying to start the car a few more times, the radio wouldn't even come on anymore and I'm left with just relay ticking. I am assuming the battery is dead. Before charging the battery back up and trying again, I am looking for help to understand where the short might come from during my disassembly:


- I took off the front console panel with the cigarette cable disconnected


- I had to adjust the steering wheel tilt to take out the front console panel out. I know the multi-function switch is already wonky because I am not getting brake lights unless I pull the switch slightly back. Could adjust the wheel tilt cause the multi-function switch to become worse?


- I took off the center console, with the two small light bulbs unclipped and shift solenoid switch disconnected


- I took out the radio (and maybe because I pulled too hard) found the power copper wiring fraying out. I pushed the radio back in with the wires exposed and maybe it touched some back metal plate and shorted?


Beyond that, I don't understand how this process has caused these electronic issues. Thanks.