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Man accused of shooting ex-girlfriend multiple times, found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound

The deceased is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and shooting her multiple times.

PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The body of a man accused of shooting a woman several times before dropping her off at a Southeast Texas hospital was found last week according to investigators.

(Editor's note: The above video is from an October 30, 2021 newscast.)

James Ward Jr.'s, 45, body was found inside a car in Port Arthur on November 4 according to a Port Arthur Police Department news release. The cause of death was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The car was behind an abandoned house in the 1700 block of Houston Ave. Evidence found within the vehicle led investigators to connect Ward with the aggravated assault that occurred on October 30.

Related: Police: Woman shot multiple times by her ex-boyfriend in Port Arthur Saturday morning

Officers learned the woman was riding in the passenger seat of Ward's car when the pair began to argue. Afterward, Ward allegedly drove the victim to a secluded area, assaulted her, then shot her multiple times, according to a previous release.

Police said Ward then drove her to a hospital and left her in the care of the medical staff before fleeing the scene. The victim has since been released from the hospital and is recovering from her injuries.

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From a Port Arthur Police Department news release: 

DECEASED: JAMES WARD JR M/BLK 45YRS OF AGE On 11-4-21 Investigators with the Port Arthur Police Department located the body of the above listed James Ward Jr in the 1700 Blk of Houston Ave. Wards vehicle was found behind an abandon residence at this location. When investigators approached the vehicle they found his body slumped over in the front driver’s seat. It was determined that Ward’s cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Other evidence found in the vehicle would match with the Aggravated Assault that Ward committed on 10-30-21. On this date Ward shot a female victim several times and then dropped her off at a local hospital where she was listed in serious condition. The victim has since been released from the hospital and is recovering from her wounds. This incident is currently under investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Port Arthur Police Department

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