Colorado Dentist Accused of Poisoning Wife, Attempting to Kill Detective

A Colorado dentist, who is accused of killing his wife by poisoning her protein shake, is now also accused of plotting to have an Aurora police detective killed.

Murder Charge

James Craig, 45, is facing two new felony charges, including trying to hire someone to commit first-degree murder. According to court documents, Craig tried to get another inmate to carry out the crime. While the documents don’t name the intended target, Aurora police confirmed that it was one of the detectives involved in investigating his case.

Craig was previously arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife of 23 years, Angela Craig. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Angela, a 43-year-old mother of six, passed away in March 2023 after being poisoned with cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a chemical found in over-the-counter eye drops, according to the coroner’s report. In May, James was accused of asking a fellow inmate to plant letters in his garage and truck to make it seem like his wife had been suicidal. Police said James offered to pay the inmate’s bond to get out of jail or even do free dental work for him in exchange for planting the letters.

Trail of Evidence

James is said to have made a secret email account and searched online for instructions on making poison just days before Angela searched for symptoms she was having, such as vertigo, shaking, and cold lips, according to police. Angela went to the hospital three times before she died because she was feeling faint and dizzy. Authorities also said James researched and bought poisons that are difficult to detect, including ordering a shipment of potassium cyanide to his dental office. James’ lawyers maintain there is no clear proof he put poison in his wife’s shakes.

Attempted Murder Charge

Authorities believe James tried to convince another inmate in the Arapahoe County jail to kill an Aurora police detective who was investigating Angela’s death in 2023, according to KUSA. Joe Moylan, a spokesman for the Aurora Police Department, confirmed to CBS News the detective was the intended target of the plot. KUSA also reported that the other inmate was not charged with any crime related to the alleged plan to kill the detective.

Victim’s Sister Speaks

Angela Craig told her sister, Toni Kofoed, numerous times over the last 16 years of her life that she wanted to leave her husband, but he always convinced her to stay, as reported by FOX 13. The couple was about to declare bankruptcy for the second time, according to records. Kofoed also reportedly told police that James had a number of affair partners, and about five years ago, he drugged his wife because he planned to die by suicide and didn’t want her to try to stop him.

Delayed Trial

James’ trial for the murder of his wife, which was supposed to begin on Nov. 21, was postponed because his defense team asked to withdraw from the case due to a professional conflict. The trial has not been rescheduled, and the defendant has retained new attorneys.

James Craig faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and solicitation to commit murder. His actions have raised many questions, and the investigation is ongoing. As the legal process continues, the community is closely watching to see how the case unfolds.

References: Dentist Charged With Killing Wife by Poisoning Her Shakes is Now Accused of Trying to Have Detective Killed | A Colorado Dentist is Accused of His Wife’s Murder. Did He Poison Her Protein Shakes? | Dentist Charged with Murdering Wife Also Wanted Investigating Officer Killed, Authorities Say | Former Dentist Suspected in Wife’s Poisoning Charged With Plotting Death of Aurora Detective From Jail, Sources Say | Dentist Accused of Killing Wife by Poisoning Her Shakes Charged With Trying to Get Fellow Jail Inmate to Kill Detective