Delay at lab likely bogged down intoxication manslaughter case

A Port Arthur man charged with the 2022 intoxication manslaughter of a Port Arthur city worker is scheduled for a court appearance in September.

The case against Christopher Henry James, 42, is set for announcement Sept. 3, according to information from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.

Officials contend James is responsible for the July 29, 2022 death of James Addison, 47.

Toxicology from James was sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety lab in Austin after the crash and was not completed until April 2024.

The crash occurred just before midnight July 29,2022 in the 100 block of Gulfway Drive.

James was reportedly driving a Mercedes and struck a motorcycle being driven by Addison from behind, according to the probable cause affidavit, which included witness statements.

At the scene of the crash James allegedly showed signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, red glassy eyes and was unable to stand.

The first officer at the scene was said to have seen Christopher Henry James behind the wheel of the Mercedes. He was arrested and bond set at $30,000.

Addison was transported to a hospital where he died due to his injuries.

The victim worked in the solid waste trash division for the city of Port Arthur for four years as an equipment operator. He was raised in Port Arthur and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School and was known as an employee with a “kind spirit,” city officials said.

James was released on bond after 53 days having served time on a parole violation.

According to information from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Christopher Henry James has a lengthy criminal history with 10 drug possession charges, public intoxication charges, trespassing charges and two previous driving while intoxicated charges.

On June 5 he was indicted for the intoxication manslaughter charge and was arrested July 25. Bond is set at $40,000.

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