James Strachan Obituary, Death – Nancianne Houston, 47, met a terrible end at the hands of her estranged husband, James Strachan Houston, 58, in a tragic and disturbing set of events that took place in Edgewater, Maryland. James fatally killed Nancianne in his condo at the Pier 7 Resort Marina on August 9, 2024, capping a horrendous legal struggle and tumultuous divorce that had begun with acrimony. The shocking murder was the last act of a relationship that had descended into bitterness and strainedness, marked by custody battles, domestic abuse, and arguments over millions of dollars’ worth of marital assets.
James Houston, a well-known anesthesiologist, is being accused of first- and second-degree murder in connection with the passing of his spouse. Their once-promising marriage had long since soured into an arduous and drawn-out divorce, their final months characterized by court battles and protective orders. Charge sheets and witness accounts depict a marriage that descended into anarchy, culminating in the horrifying events of that August night.
James and Nancianne Houston’s journey started off pretty much like any other. Their early years together were characterized by love, promise, and the shared thrill of creating a future together, according to friends and relatives. James was a well respected anesthesiologist, and Nancianne was a bright, successful woman who loved her family dearly. Together, they created what appeared to be the epitome of suburban success in Edgewater, Maryland.
But behind closed doors, their marital difficulties started to rise. Their relationship has fractured into chasms by early 2023. Court documents state that in March 2023, Nancianne requested a protective order against James as a result of a domestic dispute that had gotten out of hand. Although specifics of the incident are kept confidential, testimony makes it evident that Nancianne was severely shaken by the altercation and decided to legally separate from James as a result.