A Houston man accused of killing his wife collapsed and died in a courtroom just before a judge was set to sentence him to decades in prison.
James Paul Anderson, 39, suffered a medical emergency Friday shortly after arriving at the Criminal Justice Center's 208th District Court, The Daily Caller reported. Anderson had been out on a $300,000 bond and was scheduled to accept a plea deal for the 2023 murder of his wife, Victoria Anderson.
A court bailiff administered naloxone before paramedics transported Anderson to Ben Taub Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead at 11:05 a.m. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding Courtroom Death
Witnesses told local media that Anderson spoke with his attorney before requesting time alone. He then spit something into a trash can, and minutes later began vomiting and became visibly ill.
Anderson's attorney discovered a bag containing a brown, crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine in the trash can. The judge immediately cleared the courtroom and declared it a possible crime scene.
The defendant had agreed to a 35-year prison sentence as part of the negotiated plea agreement. Authorities are investigating how Anderson may have obtained a potentially lethal substance while in custody.
Fatal Domestic Violence Call in 2023
Victoria Anderson called 911 in September 2023 to report that her husband had threatened to shoot her. The emergency operator heard gunfire during the call, prompting immediate police response to their Kingwood home.
When officers arrived, Anderson released his 3-year-old son from the residence before barricading himself inside for several hours. Prosecutors believed the young child witnessed his mother's death during the shooting.
Court records revealed previous domestic incidents at the Anderson home. Victoria had filed for divorce approximately one month before the fatal shooting occurred.
Anderson's Background and Employment History
James Paul Anderson worked in the special education department at Cleveland Independent School District. The Houston Police Department arrested him following the hours-long standoff at his home after the 2023 shooting.
He had remained free on the $300,000 bond throughout the court proceedings leading up to the scheduled sentencing hearing. The Harris County District Attorney's office had negotiated the 35-year prison sentence Anderson was expected to accept Friday morning.
Anderson's background also included work as a clown prior to his teaching career. The case drew significant attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding both the original crime and his courtroom death.
Investigation Into Courtroom Death Continues
The substance found in the trash can will undergo forensic testing as part of the ongoing investigation. Medical examiners will determine whether the substance caused Anderson's sudden death in the courtroom.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and raises questions about courtroom security protocols. Authorities will review procedures to understand how contraband may have entered the courthouse undetected.
The Harris County District Attorney's office has not yet released additional details about the incident or findings from the medical examiner's report. The investigation remains active as officials work to determine the exact circumstances of Anderson's death.
