Houston, TX — James Paul Anderson, a Texas man accused of killing his wife, Victoria Anderson, died on Friday following a medical emergency during a court appearance. Anderson, who had been facing a murder charge for the death of his 34-year-old wife, was in court to accept a plea agreement and be sentenced to 35 years in prison when the incident occurred.
What Happened
Anderson was out on a $300,000 bond while awaiting trial for Victoria’s murder. On Friday, he appeared in the 208th District Court at the Criminal Justice Center in Houston to agree to a plea deal. Shortly after entering the courtroom, Anderson experienced a medical emergency. A bailiff administered naloxone, a medication typically used to reverse opioid overdoses, before EMS arrived. Anderson was transported to Ben Taub Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 11 a.m.
While naloxone was administered, it is unclear if Anderson had taken any drugs. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of his death.
The Crime
In September 2023, Victoria Anderson called 911 and told an operator that her husband was threatening to shoot her at their home in the Kingwood area. During the call, the operator reported hearing a gunshot, and when police arrived at the scene, Anderson allowed their 3-year-old son to leave the house before barricading himself inside.
A standoff ensued for several hours before Anderson surrendered, and Victoria’s body was discovered inside the home. Prosecutors later indicated that they believed the child had witnessed his mother’s murder.
Authorities noted that there had been previous domestic issues at the home, and Victoria had filed for divorce about a month before her tragic death.
Anderson’s Background
James Anderson worked in the special education department at a Cleveland ISD school. His sudden death has left the community grappling with the unresolved tragedy of his wife’s murder.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
