Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against Edgewater Surgeon Accused of Fatally Stabbing His Wife
The lawsuit was initiated by James Strachan Houston's estranged sister-in-law in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County on December 11, 2024. The complaint, obtained by Report Annapolis News, indicates that on or about March 10, 2023, a domestic dispute between the decedent, Nancianne Houston, and the defendant led to the decedent obtaining a protective order on March 11, 2023. This order was served on March 14, 2023, and the decedent filed for divorce on March 17, 2023.
The lawsuit states, "It is believed and, therefore, averred that the decedent had no desire to reconcile her relationship with the defendant. It is believed and, therefore, averred that the defendant made several attempts at reconciling with decedent. It is believed and, therefore, averred that the divorce and custody process between the decedent and the defendant was contentious. It is believed and, therefore, averred that the divorce involved the division and distribution of several million dollars worth of assets. A divorce trial was scheduled for January 2025." The suit alleges that on or about August 2, 2024, the decedent informed the defendant that she had begun dating another man. A week later, the defendant invited the decedent to his home to complete past due tax work.
The complaint continues, "On August 9, 2024, the decedent arrived at the defendant's home in order to complete said past due tax work. It is believed and, therefore, averred that the defendant attacked the decedent with a kitchen knife. It is believed and, therefore, averred that the stabbing was unprovoked by the decedent. It is believed and, therefore, averred that the defendant invited the decedent to his home under the false pretense of completing tax documents. It is believed and, therefore, averred that the defendant invited the decedent to his home with the intention of stabbing and killing her."
According to the documents, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on August 9, 2024, the Anne Arundel County Police Department received a 911 call from the defendant, who reported that he and his wife had stabbed each other and his wife was unresponsive. Upon arrival, emergency personnel reportedly observed a knife in the decedent's chest, and she was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy, detailed in the suit, revealed numerous injuries, including slashes to her left thigh, left foot, and left calf, multiple knife wounds to her left arm and hand, and several stab wounds to the center of her chest. Additionally, she sustained bruising to her right knee, left side of her face and forehead, and 11 cuts to her dress.
A trial date for the civil suit has not yet been scheduled.
Mr. Houston is currently being held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center, facing a single count of first-degree murder.
The trial, which was originally scheduled for Friday, May 23rd, has been postponed due to a ruling by the Appellate Court of Maryland. This delay was requested by the state and came about after the removal of Anne Arundel State's Attorney, Anne Colt Leitess, from the case. Her removal was a result of a defense motion with allegations concerning undisclosed conversations with several witnesses. Unfortunately, the court order did not specify the duration of this temporary delay.
***The filing of a lawsuit is not indicative of guilt or wrong doing on the part of any of the parties involved.***
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