Texas News, Houston. – A Texas man accused of murdering his wife collapsed and died in a Houston courtroom Friday, just moments before he was expected to plead guilty and receive a lengthy prison sentence.
Authorities say 37-year-old James Paul Anderson suffered a medical emergency in Harris County district court, where he was scheduled to accept a plea deal for the fatal shooting of his wife, Victoria Anderson, in September 2023.
He was free on a $300,000 bond and facing a 35-year prison sentence.
“Shortly after arriving in court, Anderson experienced a medical emergency. A bailiff for the court administered naloxone before EMS arrived,” the Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed. The Houston Fire Department rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Preliminary findings suggest Anderson “ingested drugs while awaiting sentencing at the criminal courthouse,” according to Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen.
An autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences will determine the official cause of death.
The case stemmed from a violent confrontation on Sept. 24, 2023, when Houston police responded to the couple’s Kingwood home after a 911 call.
Investigators said Victoria Anderson called for help, warning that her husband was threatening to shoot her. The dispatcher reported hearing a gunshot while still on the line.
A tense standoff followed. Police said Anderson refused to surrender but allowed the couple’s 3-year-old son to leave the house unharmed.
After several hours, he exited the residence and was taken into custody. Officers later discovered Victoria Anderson dead from a gunshot wound.
The sudden death of James Anderson has halted court proceedings. Authorities are now investigating how he may have smuggled drugs into the courthouse, while his late wife’s family continues to grapple with the tragedy.
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