ANNE ARUNDEL CO., MD — An Edgewater health care executive awaiting trial for the fatal stabbing death of his wife was cleared to stay at his brother's home while awaiting trial, according to Capital Gazette.
A Monday court filing detailed that 59-year-old James Houston was on a no-bond house arrest that mandated he could only leave his brother's Frederick home on two occasions: to meet with his attorneys or appear in court.
In both situations, Houston is required to be accompanied by at least one relative or a retained lawyer.
Houston had previously been on house arrest but was required to return to Annapolis' Jennifer Road Detention Center after his case was stayed last year.
The trial was originally due to get underway in 2025, but was ultimately held after Judge Mark Crooks removed Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Ann Colt Leitess from the case.
Leitess had been pulled off the proceedings after Crooks determined she failed to disclose evidence favorable to the defense.
Related: Woman Killed, Man Injured In Edgewater Stabbing
The case dates back to August 9, 2024, when 47-year-old Nancianne Houston was found dead at an Edgewater apartment that her husband, James, had lived in. The Banner reported that the couple, who were in a polyamorous relationship, had been estranged.
At the time, Nancianne was pronounced dead at the scene as her husband was flown to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center to undergo surgery for severe stab wounds.
While prosecutors have argued that James, a former Navy doctor, used his knowledge to intentionally wound himself, the defense has said the wounds were suffered while he was attempting to defend himself.
Court records show he remains charged with first-degree murder and possessing a dangerous weapon with the intent to injure another person.
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