Dentist Accused of Plotting Death of Investigator

A Colorado dentist faces new allegations of plotting to kill the detective investigating his wife’s murder.

Quick Takes

James Craig, accused of poisoning his wife, now faces additional charges for plotting to kill a detective and multiple other witnesses in the case.
Craig allegedly attempted to hire a fellow inmate to carry out the murder plot.
Evidence includes letters Craig wrote to fabricate evidence and make his wife appear suicidal.
The dentist has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including first-degree murder and solicitation to commit murder.
Craig’s trial has been delayed, with jury selection now set to begin on July 10, 2025.

From Dental Practice to Murder Accusations

James Craig, a Colorado dentist and father of six, finds himself at the center of a complex legal battle that has shocked the community. Initially arrested for allegedly poisoning his wife, Craig now faces additional charges for purportedly plotting to kill the detective investigating his case and multiple others. The story has taken several unexpected turns, leaving many to wonder how a respected professional could become entangled in such serious criminal allegations.

Craig’s legal troubles began when he was charged with first-degree murder for allegedly poisoning his wife’s protein shakes with cyanide and tetrahydrozoline in March 2023. The couple had been married for 23 years before Angela Craig’s untimely death. Investigations revealed that Craig had searched for poison-related information and ordered both arsenic and cyanide, raising suspicions about his involvement in his wife’s demise.

New Allegations Emerge

As if the initial charges weren’t severe enough, prosecutors now claim that Craig was plotting the deaths of the lead investigator in his case, an officer, and up to two other inmates while in jail. These new allegations have led to additional charges, including solicitation to commit murder and solicitation to commit perjury. The mounting evidence against Craig paints a picture of a man desperate to evade justice by any means necessary.

A judge has ruled that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute Craig for murder-for-hire. This ruling came after prosecutors presented evidence, including letters Craig allegedly wrote from jail, attempting to tamper with and fabricate evidence. These letters were reportedly intended to make it appear as if his wife was suicidal and aware of his affair, potentially casting doubt on the murder charges against him.

Failed Murder-for-Hire Plot

Perhaps the most startling development in this case is the alleged murder-for-hire plot against the detected. Prosecutors claim that Craig tried to convince a fellow inmate to kill the Aurora police detective involved in his case. In exchange for this deadly favor, Craig allegedly offered the inmate free dental work or money for their bond. However, the plan backfired when the inmate chose to inform law enforcement instead of complying with Craig’s request.

This has only served to complicate Craig’s legal situation further. His former lawyer has withdrawn from the case, citing a professional conflict and disagreement with Craig’s actions. The attorney’s departure highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by legal professionals when clients engage in behavior that crosses ethical and legal boundaries.

Legal Proceedings and Trial Delays

As the case against James Craig continues to unfold, the legal proceedings have faced several delays. Initially, a pre-trial hearing was scheduled for June 27, with the trial expected to start on July 14. However, the latest reports indicate that jury selection is now set to begin on July 10, 2025, with the next hearing scheduled for April 7, 2025. These delays underscore the complexity of the case and the time required to process the mounting evidence against Craig.

Throughout these proceedings, Craig has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. As the justice system works to unravel the truth behind these allegations, the community watches closely, grappling with the shock of seeing a once-respected professional facing such serious criminal charges. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for all involved, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences that can follow when the trust placed in medical professionals is allegedly betrayed.