DENVER, CO — A chilling murder trial is set to begin this week as James Craig, a Colorado dentist, faces charges for allegedly killing his wife, Angela Craig, by lacing her protein shakes with cyanide and other toxic substances.
The 47-year-old Aurora man is charged with first-degree murder, solicitation to commit murder, and solicitation to commit perjury in connection with Angela’s March 2023 death. Jury selection begins Monday in a case that has shocked the community and drawn national attention.
Alleged Plot and Shocking Discovery
Angela, 43, fell mysteriously ill over several days—complaining of severe headaches, dizziness, and confusion—before dying at a local hospital. A toxicology report revealed cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a chemical found in eye drops, in her system.
Investigators soon uncovered a disturbing trail. Authorities say Craig ordered potassium cyanide under the guise of using it for surgery, but a colleague at his dental office discovered the package on March 13. That tip sparked a wider investigation.
Searches on Craig’s electronic devices included phrases like:
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“How to make a heart attack look natural”
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“Is arsenic detectable during an autopsy?”
Prosecutors say Craig also purchased arsenic online—while Angela was actively being treated for her symptoms.
A Marriage Built on Lies
Craig and his wife had been married for 23 years and were raising six children together. But prosecutors allege the dentist was leading a double life—engaged in multiple affairs, including one with a Texas-based orthodontist who visited while Angela lay in the hospital.
A pivotal piece of evidence: home surveillance footage showing Angela confronting Craig in their kitchen. She accuses him of deceiving doctors into thinking she was suicidal.
“It’s your fault they treated me like I was a suicide risk… like nothing I said could be believed,” she says.
A judge has ruled the footage admissible, calling it central to undermining any defense theory that Angela took her own life.
Cover-Up and Inmate Bribery Claims
The case took a darker turn behind bars. Prosecutors say Craig asked a fellow inmate to plant fake suicide letters in his home and even offered $20,000 to another inmate to kill the lead investigator. He also allegedly tried to bribe that inmate’s ex-wife to find people who would lie under oath, claiming Angela had suicidal thoughts.
Craig’s legal team has seen turmoil—two previous attorneys stepped down, one citing ethical issues and another facing unrelated arson charges. Craig is now represented by Lisa Fine Moses.
Family and Friends Speak Out
Angela’s brother, Mark Pray, described her death as a “torment” caused by Craig, accusing him of putting his own desires above the safety of his family.
Dental partner Ryan Redfearn also grew suspicious of Angela’s symptoms and warned medical staff she might have been poisoned. That warning became a crucial lead for investigators.
Trial Outlook
Prosecutors are expected to present a detailed timeline, digital search history, surveillance clips, and testimony from colleagues, medical experts, and family members to build the case that Craig meticulously planned and executed his wife’s murder.
If convicted, Craig faces life in prison without parole.
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