An ex-clown who works as a special education teacher has reportedly shot his wife as she desperately begged a 911 operator for help.
James Anderson, 37, is alleged to have murdered his 34-year-old wife Victoria Anderson in Cleveland, Texas, while their three-year-old son was at their home.
Anderson was arrested Sunday 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 ABC13.
The alleged killer was the chairman of the special education department at Santa Fe Middle School, where he began working in 2022.
But before his career as a high school teacher, Anderson was a clown and balloon artist, calling himself “Mister Jazzz” for performances at children’s parties and public libraries.
James Anderson (right), 37, allegedly killed his 34-year-old wife Victoria Anderson (left) in Cleveland, Texas, while their three-year-old son was at their home
But before his career as a high school teacher, Anderson worked as a clown and balloon artist, calling himself “Mister Jazzz” (pictured above as a clown) for performances at children’s parties and public libraries.
Videos from almost a decade ago show the father-of-one in a red shirt, black vest and red bowler as he gives a tutorial on how to make balloon animals on YouTube.
He also had a clown company under his pseudonym ‘Mister Jazzz’ and Mr. Jazzz the Clown,” according to company data obtained by the American sun.
Anderson was listed as the owner, but it is unclear if the business is still active.
In his 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 enjoy doing things in my garden, but not when it’s crazy hot outside! Another thing I really enjoy is reading.’
The clown-turned-teacher is now accused of murdering his wife.
Victoria called 911 just before 5 p.m. on Sunday and said her husband was threatening to shoot her, according to a statement from the city of Houston.
The 911 dispatcher reported hearing a gunshot while on the phone with the victim.
Videos from almost a decade ago (as pictured above) show the father of one in a red shirt, black vest and red bowler as he gives a balloon animal making tutorial on YouTube
Victoria (pictured here with their three-year-old son) called 911 just before 5 p.m. on Sunday and said her husband was threatening to shoot her, according to a statement from the city of Houston.
When officers arrived at the couple’s home in the 4300 block of Vista Ridge Drive in Cleveland, they ordered Anderson to leave the house.
He refused, but eventually sent out his son, who was covered in his mother Victoria’s blood.
SWAT team members and negotiators spent five hours outside the home until Anderson finally surrendered without further incident.
Police then entered the home and found the victim unconscious with a gunshot wound. Shortly afterwards, she was confirmed dead by paramedics on the scene.
The couple’s son was taken to a hospital for observation before being released into the care of relatives, the local news station reported KHOU-11.
The case was referred to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which charged Anderson with murder. He was booked into the Harris County Jail.
Yesterday, a judge set his bail at $300,000 and he will appear in court again on December 13. Authorities said they do not want him to have any contact with his son.
During Anderson’s court appearance, it was reported that the victim had recently removed weapons from the family’s home, after which the suspect apparently called 911 to report it.
SWAT team members and negotiators spent five hours outside the house (some standing on a roof, pictured above) until Anderson finally surrendered without further incident.
Yesterday, a judge set Anderson’s bond at $300,000 and he will be back in court on December 13. Authorities said they do not want him to have any contact with his son.
After the long standoff (SWAT and police members pictured above while outside the home), police entered the home and found the victim unconscious with a gunshot wound. Shortly afterwards, she was confirmed dead by paramedics on the scene
The Cleveland Independent School District confirmed their employee’s arrest on Monday, saying in a statement: “Cleveland ISD is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic domestic violence situation involving one of Santa Fe Middle School’s staff members, James Anderson is.
‘Mr. Anderson has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.”
Although authorities said they do not know what led to Sunday’s killing, domestic disputes were previously reported at the home.
They also said the couple may be in the process of divorcing.
“Domestic violence is a very serious issue in our city, and we want to make sure we do our part to get the information out to get out of these abusive relationships,” A. Rodriguez of the Houston Police Department told ABC13.