Colorado dentist James Craig stands accused of heinous crimes involving the poisoning of his wife and an audacious plot against a detective, as the legal battle unfolds with surprising developments.
Key Insights
- James Craig allegedly plotted the murder of a detective in his case while incarcerated.
- Craig pleaded not guilty to the charges of first-degree murder by poisoning his wife.
- Prosecutors have uncovered supposed letters revealing attempts to falsify evidence.
- The trial is scheduled to begin on July 10, 2025, following significant delays.
Allegations Against Craig
A Colorado judge determined there is sufficient evidence to prosecute James Craig, a dentist and father of six, for allegedly plotting to murder a detective while imprisoned. Initially accused of poisoning his wife, Angela Craig, to death with cyanide and tetrahydrozoline in March 2023, Craig now faces additional charges of solicitation to commit murder and perjury. Despite pleading not guilty, prosecutors claim Craig ordered poison-related substances and tried manipulating evidence. He has been accused by prosecutors of not only plotting against the detective investigating him, but also an officer and potentially two inmates.
The evidence against him includes claims that he attempted to use letters to fabricate a narrative regarding his wife’s mental state and sought an inmate’s aid to frame the investigator. These actions allegedly involved promises of monetary bribes or dental work. The fellow inmate, however, did not comply and chose to cooperate with law enforcement instead.
#BREAKING: A judge has determined there's enough evidence to prosecute a former Aurora dentist accused of poisoning his wife in 2023 and allegedly trying to get a fellow inmate to kill a detective investigating him. https://t.co/3L4NQSpJtc
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel) February 15, 2025
Strategic Defense Moves
Craig’s defense team has maintained his innocence related to the additional charges filed against him. At a pre-trial hearing, Craig’s attorney stressed that any action from their client remains unproven in a court of law. Craig’s former lawyer withdrew from the case citing professional disagreements stating what he “considers repugnant or… has a fundamental disagreement (with).” His defense now faces a complex case compounded by alleged malpractices.
The prosecution is working diligently to prepare their case. Prosecutors plan to present evidence highlighting Craig’s purported intentions to murder an investigating officer and his manipulative actions from jail. This follows a judge’s ruling highlighting the charges as “pretty indicative” of wrongdoing.
Legal Proceedings Timeline
The judge set a preliminary pre-trial hearing for June 27, with formal jury selection due to commence on July 10. However, the trial itself has experienced multiple setbacks. Within the coming stages, both evidence and testimonies will play pivotal roles in determining Craig’s fate, as the case garners significant public interest due to its astonishing elements.
The delay fuels ongoing discussions regarding the alleged violations and Craig’s attempts to undermine law enforcement. As proceedings approach, the cloud of uncertainty surrounding James Craig’s charges promises a complex legal showdown that will capture national attention.
Sources
- Dentist accused of poisoning wife to face murder-for-hire charge
- Colorado dentist accused of poisoning wife faces new charges related to plotting deaths of lead investigator and inmates
- Judge rules there’s enough evidence to prosecute former Aurora dentist accused of plotting to kill detective
- Prosecutors to Present Evidence Colorado Dentist Charged in Wife’s Death Tried to Kill Detective
