James Strachan Houston Death – Charging documents expose the devastating and deadly end to an Edgewater couple’s marriage. James Strachan Houston was married to Nancianne Houston.
Nancianne secured a protective order against James in March 2023 as a result of a domestic disagreement. One week later, she filed for divorce. In January 2025, the couple was set to appear in court. Since the divorce, the couple has lived separately.
On 9 August of this year, Nancianne went to James’ flat at the Pier 7 Resort Marina to fill out some overdue tax forms. That evening, James, 58, contacted 911 to say that he and Nancianne had an argument that ended with a knife fight.
According to public documents, James, a medical specialist specializing in anaesthesiology, informed the dispatcher that Nancianne was neither moving nor breathing.
Officers arrived and found James wounded on the floor in a pool of blood, draped over his unresponsive wife. Nancianne died on the scene, a knife still embedded in her chest. She was 47. James also suffered many stab wounds to the body, necessitating surgery and a five-day hospital stay.
Detectives quickly discovered that Houston’s divorce was a difficult one. Each was vying for custody of their young child while fighting over millions of dollars in marital assets.
Based on witness testimonies, authorities believe James attempted to reconcile with Nancianne but was unsuccessful. On top of that, Nancianne just informed James that she was dating another man.
Police accused James of first- and second-degree murder. According to online court records, Nancianne’s family members have been awarded interim custody of the child. Furthermore, a judge prevented James from inheriting Nancianne’s assets pending the outcome of his criminal case. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 23. James is now being imprisoned without bail.