Colorado Dentist Accused of Poisoning Wife Set to Enter Plea in Murder Case

Colorado dentist James Craig, who stands accused of killing his wife by lacing her protein shakes with poison, is scheduled to enter a plea in court on Tuesday. Craig, who had allegedly begun an affair before his wife’s death on March 18, had reportedly searched online for information on arsenic detection in autopsies and methods to make murder look like a heart attack, according to police. Angela Craig, the victim, had searched for symptoms she was experiencing, including vertigo and shaking, in the days leading up to her death.

The Arapahoe County coroner determined that Angela Craig died from poisoning caused by cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a substance found in over-the-counter eye drops. At the preliminary hearing, James Craig’s defense attorneys argued that there was no direct evidence linking him to the poisoning and accused the lead detective of bias. The details of the tampering with evidence charge against Craig have not been disclosed.

Investigators allege that Craig attempted to poison his wife’s shake with arsenic on March 6, but she survived. Subsequently, he ordered potassium cyanide, claiming it was needed for a surgery, according to court documents. The investigation into Craig began after his dental practice partner mentioned to a nurse that Craig had ordered potassium cyanide, despite it not being necessary for their work.

Angela Craig’s sister, Toni Kofoed, informed the police that James Craig had drugged his wife with an unknown substance five years ago, expressing suicidal intentions. Kofoed believes this incident is referenced in text messages exchanged between Angela and James Craig regarding her symptoms before her illness. James Craig, in one of the messages, denied drugging her but expressed concern.

James Craig, an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Dentistry and a practicing dentist in the Aurora area since 2006, has been formally charged with first-degree murder in his wife’s death. Neighbors expressed shock and concern for the couple’s six children.