Disturbing new details in case of Cleveland ISD teacher charged with wife's murder

Jeff Ehling Image
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Graphic new details in case of teacher accused of killing wife
The couple's 3-year-old son saw the murder take place, according to prosecutors, who added that the preschooler left the home covered in blood.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A man accused of murdering his wife in Kingwood, then forcing police into a five-hour standoff appeared in court on Tuesday.

James Anderson, 37, shocked his community and those who knew him when he allegedly shot and killed his wife Sunday night. Anderson was the Special Education Department Chair for Santa Fe Middle School.

Officials at Cleveland ISD say Anderson is now on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.

Police say Anderson's wife, Victoria, called 911 saying her husband was trying to kill her. Moments later, the 911 operator allegedly heard a gunshot.

Police say Anderson refused to surrender, sparking a five-hour standoff with the SWAT team.

When it was over, Houston police officers say they discovered Victoria's body in the home. The couple's 3-year-old son was in the home at the time of the shooting. The child was unhurt, but found covered in his mother's blood. Anderson allowed the boy to leave the house before the standoff, police say.

"Domestic violence is a very serious thing in our city, and we want to make sure that we do our part to push the information out to get out of these violent relationships," A. Rodriguez with HPD said.

During the court appearance on Tuesday, we learned Victoria had recently removed guns from the family home and it was reportedly James who called 911 last week to report that.

Prosecutors say there may have been other instances of domestic violence in the relationship.

Anderson's bond has been set at $300,000. Authorities say they don't want him to have any contact with his young son.

ORIGINAL STORY: Cleveland ISD teacher charged with murder of wife before 5-hour SWAT standoff in NE Houston: HPD

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