Wife Found Dead, Husband Left Critically Injured Following Double Stabbing at Waterfront Residence in Edgewater; Wife Had Previously Filed for Divorce and Petition for Protective Order

A woman was found dead and her husband was left critically injured at a waterfront residence in Edgewater, more than a year after filing for divorce and asking a judge for an order of protection.

Officers responded for a report of a stabbing at an apartment located at 48 South River Road S on August 9, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m. In a statement, department officials said the officers located an adult female and an adult male at the scene with apparent stab wounds. Officers immediately provided medical aid. 

47-year-old Nancianne Houston was reportedly pronounced deceased at the scene by fire department personnel. 

James Houston, 58, was transported to the Multi-Trauma Critical Care Unit at the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center with serious, life-threatening injuries to his upper body and an extremity.  As of 7:45pm on Saturday, August 10, 2024, Mr. Houston was listed in critical condition, a source confirmed to Report Annapolis News.

Authorities have not said how they believe both parties were specifically involved in the double-stabbing, however a police spokesperson confirmed that a suspect or other subjects were not being sought after at this time.  "The male and female were known to each other and were involved in an altercation when the stabbings occurred," preliminary information suggests. 

A review of electronic court records show that Nancianne Houston filed a petition for a protective order on March 11, 2023. James Houston is listed as the respondent in that case.  On March 16, 2023, divorce proceedings were initiated by lawyers representing Ms. Houston. The divorce case remains in "open" status. A 4-day hearing is scheduled to begin on January 14, 2025. The petition for a protective order was dismissed on April 24, 2023, with "petitioner requested dismissal" shown as the cause.  

In a facebook tribute dated March 22, 2021, The Golf Club at South River posted the following:

Detectives ask that anyone with information contact them at 410-222-4731. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700 or contact Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP or online at https://metrocrimestoppers.org/submit-a-tip/.