EDGEWATER, Md. – A 58-year-old Edgewater man was arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman in August, Anne Arundel County police announced Friday. James Strachan Houston, of Edgewater, has been charged with first and second-degree murder, as well as related assault charges, in the death of his wife, Nancianne S. Houston, 47, also of Edgewater.
On August 9, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment in the unit block of South River S in Edgewater after receiving a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers discovered both Nancianne Houston and James Houston with apparent stab wounds. Medical aid was immediately provided to both victims. However, Nancianne Houston was pronounced dead at the scene by fire department personnel.
James Houston, who sustained serious, life-threatening injuries to his upper body and an extremity, was transported to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the two individuals were known to each other and were involved in an altercation at the time of the incident. Authorities have not released specific details about the events leading up to the stabbings.
In the days following the incident, homicide detectives launched a thorough investigation, seeking more information from the public about the circumstances surrounding the crime. They urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, offering both the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line and Crime Stoppers as options for anonymous tips.
Detectives worked on the case for several weeks before issuing an arrest warrant for James Strachan Houston on September 25, 2024. Two days later, on the morning of September 27, members of the Anne Arundel County Police Fugitive Apprehension Team located Houston in Edgewater. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Jennifer Road Detention Center for processing.
Police did not release further details on Houston’s medical condition following the arrest. He is now facing charges of first and second-degree murder, along with assault-related charges, in connection to the death of Nancianne Houston.
This tragic case is being closely followed by the Edgewater community, as investigators continue to piece together the full story behind the fatal domestic dispute.
Police have reiterated their request for any additional information from the public that may assist in the ongoing investigation. Detectives can be reached at 410-222-4731, and anonymous tips are encouraged through the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700 or Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP. Crime Stoppers also offers an online option for submitting tips at metrocrimestoppers.org.
This remains an active investigation as police continue to work through the details of the case.
