James Anderson, accused of murdering his wife, died from a medical emergency during a court appearance in Houston.
HOUSTON — A Texas man accused of killing his wife died Friday after suffering a medical emergency during a court appearance.
James Paul Anderson was on trial for allegedly killing his wife, 34-year-old Victoria Anderson, at their home.
Anderson was released on a $300,000 bond while awaiting trial for a murder charge. Authorities stated that he appeared in court on Friday to accept a plea deal and agree to a 35-year prison sentence.
Shortly after he got to the 208th District Court at the Criminal Justice Center in Houston, he “experienced a medical emergency,” officials said.
A bailiff administered naloxone, which is used to quickly counteract opioid overdoses, prior to EMS arrival. Anderson was transported to Ben Taub Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 11 a.m.
While naloxone was administered, it’s unclear if Anderson had taken any drugs. An autopsy will be done to find out what happened.
The crime
In September 2023, Victoria contacted 911 and informed an operator that her husband was threatening to shoot her at their Kingwood-area residence. Subsequently, the operator reported hearing a gunshot, according to investigators.
When police arrived at the home, James Anderson allowed the couple’s 3-year-old son to exit the house before barricading himself inside. A standoff ensued for several hours before he surrendered, at which point his wife’s body was discovered inside. Prosecutors at the time speculated that the child had witnessed his mother’s murder.
Authorities said there had been previous reports of domestic issues at the house, and Victoria filed for divorce about a month before she was killed.
James Anderson worked in the special education department at a Cleveland ISD school.
