A former special needs teacher who was charged over the murder of his wife in 2023 has died before he could be sentenced.

James Anderson was out on a $300,000 bond for the murder his wife Victoria, 34, after she was shot dead in the family’s Kingwood home in Texas while their three-year-old son was present.

He was in court on Friday where he was to accept a 35-year prison sentence as part of a plea deal when he experienced a ‘medical emergency’ shortly after arriving.

A court bailiff administered naloxone, which quickly reverses opioid overdoses, before he was taken to Ben Taub hospital where he died just after 11am.

Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said the suspect ingested drugs.

An autopsy will be conducted during this ongoing investigation.

Anderson, who also worked as a clown, was accused of gunning down his wife while she desperately begged a 911 dispatcher for help.

James Anderson allegedly gunned down his wife Victoria while she was on a 911 call reporting that he was threatening to kill her
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James Anderson allegedly gunned down his wife Victoria while she was on a 911 call reporting that he was threatening to kill her

The former special needs teacher was accused of fatally shooting his wife in 2023, he died suddenly during a court appearance
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The former special needs teacher was accused of fatally shooting his wife in 2023, he died suddenly during a court appearance

Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said the suspect ingested drugs in an X post, along with a video of the dramatic scene outside the courthouse
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Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said the suspect ingested drugs in an X post, along with a video of the dramatic scene outside the courthouse

Victoria called the police and told dispatchers her husband was ‘threatening to shoot her’, according to a statement from the City of Houston.

They reported hearing a gunshot while she was on heard on the phone.

Anderson was arrested after a five-hour standoff with police and a SWAT team, during which he allowed his son to leave the house.

The toddler was unharmed but covered in his mother’s blood, according to ABC 13.

Police then entered the home and found Victoria unresponsive with a gunshot wound.

Victoria was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics shortly after.

The police were unsure what led to fatal shooting but domestic disputes were previously reported at the home.

Anderson being escorted in 2023 after he allegedly gunned down his wife Victoria while their three-year-old son was present
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Anderson being escorted in 2023 after he allegedly gunned down his wife Victoria while their three-year-old son was present

Police were unsure what led to fatal shooting but domestic disputes were previously reported at the home
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Police were unsure what led to fatal shooting but domestic disputes were previously reported at the home

Anderson was the Special Education Department Chair for Santa Fe Middle School, where he started working in 2022
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Anderson was the Special Education Department Chair for Santa Fe Middle School, where he started working in 2022

The alleged shooter was a clown and balloon artist, calling himself 'Mister Jazzz' for performances at children's parties and public libraries
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The alleged shooter was a clown and balloon artist, calling himself ‘Mister Jazzz’ for performances at children’s parties and public libraries

They added the couple might have been going through a divorce.

Anderson was the Special Education Department Chair for Santa Fe Middle School, where he started working in 2022.

Prior to teaching, the alleged shooter was a clown and balloon artist, calling himself ‘Mister Jazzz’ for performances at children’s parties and public libraries.

He also owned a clown business under his pseudonym ‘Mister Jazzz’ and Mr. Jazzz the Clown’, according to business records obtained by the US Sun.

On his past online biography for the school district’s website, Anderson presented himself as a family man.

He wrote: ‘When I’m not busy working, I love hanging out with my family. I also like doing stuff in my yard, but not when it’s insanely hot outside! Another thing I’m really into is reading.’