A Texas special education teacher, who used to perform as a clown known as “Mister Jazzz,” has been accused of shooting and killing his wife while she was on the phone with a 911 operator.
James Anderson, 37, allegedly shot and killed Victoria Anderson, 34, Sunday night while the couple’s 3-year-old son was in the home with them, authorities said.
The boy was unharmed.
Anderson served as chair of the Special Education Department at Santa Fe Middle School, where he has served since 2022.
James Anderson, 37, seen in an old video performing under his clown name “Mister Jazzz,” has been charged with murdering his wife over the weekend. YouTube / @misterjazzzTXAnderson allegedly shot and killed his wife, Victoria, while his 3-year-old son was in the house with them. Facebook/Victoria Anderson
“When I’m not busy working, I love spending time with my family,” Anderson wrote in his online biography on the school district’s website. “I also like to do things in my garden, but not when it’s really hot outside! Another thing that I really like is reading.”
But before embarking on a career in education, Anderson worked as a clown and balloon artist performing under the pseudonym “Mister Jazzz” at children’s parties and public libraries.
Videos from almost a decade ago that are still available online show Anderson in his distinctive red shirt, black vest and red bowler hat doing balloon animal tutorials.
James Anderson refused to leave his Houston home on Sunday, sparking a five-hour standoff. Officers from the KTRKSWAT team were called to the scene to help take Anderson into custody. KTRK
He had previously owned a party entertainment business under the names “Mister Jazzz” and “Mr. Jazzz the Clown,” according to business records reviewed by the US Sun.
A still active LinkedIn page for James Anderson lists him as the owner of “Mister Jazzz” in Tyler, Texas.
The heartbreaking incident involving the former clown-turned-teacher began to unfold shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, when Anderson’s wife called 911 to report that her husband was threatening to shoot her, according to a statement from the city of Houston.
“The person who took the call reported hearing a gunshot while speaking on the phone with the woman,” the statement said.
Anderson turned himself in after allowing his 3-year-old son to leave the house. Houston Police Department
Police officers rushed to the scene in the 4300 block of Vista Ridge Drive and ordered the husband out of the house.
Anderson refused to leave, but allowed his young son to leave.
SWAT team members and hostage negotiators then arrived and spent the next five hours trying to convince the hiding suspect to surrender.
It was finally handed over without further incident.
Anderson allegedly shot and killed his wife while she was responding to a 911 call reporting that he was threatening to kill her. Facebook/Victoria Anderson
Police then entered the home and found Victoria Anderson dead from a gunshot wound.
The couple’s son was taken to a hospital for observation before being released into the care of family members, station KHOU11 reported.
Authorities said they don’t know exactly what led up to the murder, but there were previous reports of domestic problems at the home and the couple may have been going through a divorce.
Anderson was booked into the Harris County Jail on Monday on a murder charge.
Anderson has worked as a special education teacher and chair of the Special Education Department at Santa Fe High School since 2022. Cleveland ISD
On Tuesday, a judge set his bail at $300,000. He is due back in court on December 13.
The Cleveland Independent School District confirmed Anderson’s arrest on Monday.
“Cleveland ISD is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic domestic violence situation involving one of the staff members at Santa Fe High School, James Anderson,” the district said in a statement.
“Mr. Anderson has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn