Suspect in 2023 murder case dies after medical emergency in court, Harris County DA's Office says
James Anderson, accused of killing his wife, was reportedly in court to make a plea on his murder charge.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A man accused of murdering his wife two years ago died after appearing in court Friday to make a plea in the case, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
James Anderson, a former Cleveland ISD teacher, allegedly shot and killed his wife, Victoria Anderson, in 2023.
Police said his wife called 911, saying her husband was trying to kill her. Moments later, the 911 operator allegedly heard a gunshot. Anderson refused to surrender, sparking a five-hour standoff with the SWAT team.
When the standoff was over, Houston police officers said they discovered Victoria's body in the home. They said the couple's 3-year-old son was in the home at the time of the shooting but was unhurt.
Investigators said the boy was found covered in his mother's blood, adding that Anderson allowed the child to leave the house before the standoff.
READ MORE: Cleveland ISD teacher charged with murder of wife before 5-hour SWAT standoff in NE Houston: HPD
The DA's office said Anderson was out on a $300,000 bond and appeared before a judge Friday to make a plea on the murder charge, but after arriving, officials said he "experienced a medical emergency" in court.
In a social media post, Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said the suspect ingested drugs, sharing a video of the scene outside the courthouse.
A bailiff for the court reportedly administered naloxone before first responders arrived. Authorities said Anderson was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died at about 11 a.m.
He was set to agree to be sentenced to 35 years in prison as part of a plea deal, the district attorney's office added.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
For updates, follow Mo Haider on Facebook, X and Instagram.
SEE PREVIOUS STORY: Disturbing new details in case of Cleveland ISD teacher charged with wife's murder
