HOUSTON — A Texas man accused of killing his wife collapsed in court and later died Friday, just moments before he was set to formally accept a prison sentence as part of a plea agreement.
According to KHOU 11, James Paul Anderson was facing a 35-year sentence for the 2023 murder of his wife, Victoria Anderson, when he suddenly became violently ill in a Houston courtroom and later died at a hospital.
Anderson, who was 39 years old and employed in the special education department at a Cleveland ISD school, had been free on $300,000 bond while awaiting trial. He was required to appear in Harris County’s 208th District Court on the morning of Sept. 26, 2025, to finalize a deal with prosecutors involving a lengthy prison term. Authorities said the agreement would have sent him to prison for 35 years.
The murder charge stemmed from a domestic incident on Sept. 8, 2023, at the couple’s home. According to investigators, 34-year-old Victoria Anderson called 911 during a confrontation with her husband, warning that he was threatening her with a firearm. Police said that the 911 operator heard a gunshot on the call before the line went silent.
Standoff and arrest followed the wife's death
When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a tense standoff. James Anderson reportedly emerged from the home to release the couple’s 3-year-old son before barricading himself inside. Police negotiators remained on scene for several hours before Anderson surrendered peacefully to authorities.
Once inside, officers discovered Victoria Anderson deceased from a gunshot wound. Authorities believe the young child may have been present during the shooting. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the household had previously been the subject of reports involving domestic disturbances. Victoria had filed for divorce about one month before her death. Prosecutors suggested that tensions between the couple might have escalated in the weeks leading up to the fatal encounter. Anderson was taken into custody and formally charged with murder after his arrest.
Medical incident stalls court proceedings
On Friday morning, Anderson arrived at the Criminal Justice Center in downtown Houston to finalize the plea arrangement. Witnesses in the courtroom noted that he looked physically uncomfortable shortly after proceedings began. According to those present, he briefly conferred with his legal counsel and then asked for a short break to compose himself.
Upon returning to the courtroom, Anderson allegedly walked over to a trash can and spat something into it. Moments later, he appeared to lose control of his bodily functions and began to vomit. Officers on site quickly moved him to a secure area in the courtroom as his condition worsened. A bailiff administered naloxone, a medication used to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose, in an effort to stabilize Anderson. Emergency medical personnel were called, and he was transported to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston. He was pronounced dead shortly after 11 a.m.
Possible drug evidence discovered in the courtroom
In the aftermath of the incident, Anderson's attorney reportedly checked the contents of the trash can where Anderson had spat moments earlier. Inside, the lawyer discovered a small bag believed to contain a brown, crystal-like substance. Authorities suspect it may have been methamphetamine, although testing has not been completed to confirm the exact nature of the material.
Following the discovery, the presiding judge declared the courtroom a possible crime scene. Everyone was asked to leave as investigators began processing the location for evidence. Legal experts noted that this step was necessary to preserve the integrity of any potential criminal probe surrounding Anderson’s sudden death.
Despite the administration of naloxone, officials stated it remains unknown whether Anderson had ingested illicit drugs, and if so, when he may have done so. The medical examiner’s office has scheduled an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Legal outcome unresolved amid defendant's death
Because Anderson died before officially entering a guilty plea and before the court had accepted the agreement, the criminal case will now be closed without a conviction. Legal analysts said this outcome may frustrate the victim’s family, as it ends the case before any formal sentence is carried out.
Prosecutors had worked on the plea deal with Anderson’s defense team instead of taking the case to trial. Had he been found guilty by a jury, Anderson could have faced a potentially longer prison sentence. With his death, however, all court proceedings related to the criminal case are expected to cease.
Officials also confirmed that the 3-year-old child, who had been released by Anderson during the 2023 standoff, is in the custody of family members. Authorities did not release further information regarding the child’s current living situation, citing privacy concerns.
