Dentist Accused of Poisoning Wife Also Allegedly Plotted Against Detective

Colorado dentist James Craig faces new charges for allegedly plotting to kill a detective while in jail for his wife’s murder.

Key Takeaways

James Craig, a dentist accused of poisoning his wife, now faces additional charges for allegedly plotting to kill a detective and multiple other individuals.
Craig has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in his wife’s death and to the new charges.
Evidence includes letters Craig allegedly wrote to make it appear as if his wife was suicidal.
Prosecutors claim Craig was planning to kill a detective, an officer, and two other inmates.
The trial has been delayed, with jury selection now set to begin on July 10, 2025.

New Allegations Emerge in James Craig Murder Case

James Craig, a Colorado dentist and father of six, is facing additional charges in a case that has shocked the community. Initially arrested for allegedly poisoning his wife, Craig now stands accused of plotting to kill a detective involved in his criminal case. The court has ruled there is sufficient evidence to prosecute Craig on these new allegations, adding another layer of complexity to an already high-profile case.

The original charges against Craig stem from the death of his wife, Angela Craig, in March 2023. Prosecutors allege that Craig poisoned his wife’s protein shakes with cyanide and tetrahydrozoline after previous attempts with arsenic failed. The couple had been married for 23 years and had six children together.

Alleged Plot to Kill Detective and Inmates

While in custody for his wife’s murder, Craig allegedly hatched a plan to kill the lead detective in his case, as well as two other inmates. Prosecutors claim that Craig attempted to convince a fellow inmate to carry out the murders, offering free dental work or money for their bond in exchange. The inmate, however, did not comply with Craig’s alleged requests and instead informed law enforcement of the plot.

The judge’s comment suggests that the evidence presented is strongly indicative of Craig’s alleged criminal intentions. This ruling allows the prosecution to move forward with the additional charges, which include solicitation to commit murder and solicitation to commit perjury.

Evidence of Obstruction and Tampering

In addition to the alleged murder plot, Craig is accused of attempting to tamper with and fabricate evidence. Letters written by Craig from jail allegedly show his efforts to create a false narrative about his wife’s death. Prosecutors claim that Craig tried to make it appear as if his wife was suicidal and aware of his affair, in an apparent attempt to shift suspicion away from himself.

This statement from Craig’s former lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, suggests that Craig’s actions may have crossed ethical and legal boundaries, leading to Steinberg’s withdrawal from the case. The lawyer cited a professional conflict and disagreement with Craig’s actions as reasons for stepping down.

Legal Proceedings and Trial Delays

Craig has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including the original first-degree murder charge and the new allegations. The case has faced several delays, with the next hearing scheduled for April 7, 2025. Jury selection for the trial is set to begin on July 10, 2025, more than two years after Angela Craig’s death.

As the legal process unfolds, the community and the Craig family continue to grapple with the shocking allegations against a once-respected dentist and family man. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the criminal justice system in pursuing justice for victims and their families.