James Craig: The Dentist Who Slowly Poisoned his Wife to Death

James Craig, a 45-year-old Colorado dentist, was taken into custody on March 19, 2023, for the alleged first-degree murder of his wife, Angela Craig. He stands accused of poisoning her protein shakes with cyanide and arsenic, leading to her death. Craig is currently behind bars, awaiting trial.

James is said to have added poisonous substances to Angela's routine pre-workout beverages, which led to her becoming sick and ultimately dying in the hospital, according to the arrest warrant.

James Craig's poisoning of his wife allegedly began on March 6, 2023, when he first added arsenic to her drink. Angela texted him saying, “I feel drugged.” He responded, “Just for the record, I didn’t drug you.”

After the arsenic did not result in Angela's death, James allegedly ordered potassium cyanide to be delivered to his office at Summerbrook Dental Group in Aurora.

He apparently informed the supplier that he required it for a surgical procedure and instructed his office manager not to open the package upon its arrival.

Despite James' instructions not to open the package, another employee inadvertently did so. According to James' dental practice partner, Ryan Redfearn, James initially claimed that the package contained a ring.

However, when Redfearn informed him that he knew what was really inside, James changed his story, alleging that Angela had requested the cyanide.

Angela unknowingly consumed the cyanide that James had added to her shakes, which led to her hospitalization two more times.

On March 15, she went to the hospital, complaining of severe headaches and dizziness. Unfortunately, Angela's health rapidly declined from there. She suffered a seizure, and doctors declared her brain dead. Angela was put on life support but tragically passed away on March 18, 2023.

According to a news release by Division Chief Mark Hildebrand of the Aurora Police Department, the suspicious details of Angela Craig's illness and death prompted a dedicated effort by officers and homicide detectives to uncover the truth. The investigation quickly revealed that the incident was, in fact, a heinous, complex, and calculated murder.

Further investigation into James Craig's case, following his arrest on March 19, reportedly uncovered additional incriminating evidence against him. Detectives analyzed his internet history and allegedly found a Google search for "Is arsenic detectable in an autopsy?" and a YouTube video titled "Top 5 Undetectable Poisons That Show No Signs of Foul Play." They also discovered emails and receipts indicating that he had ordered multiple types of poisons.

In addition, law enforcement officials uncovered a possible motive for the purported murder: infidelity.

Angela's sister, Toni Kofoed, informed the police that James had a history of being unfaithful. CBS News reported that she stated, "James had multiple affairs with several women." Angela and James' marriage was allegedly tumultuous, according to Kofoed.

Prior to his wife's death, James had allegedly been exchanging explicit and intimate emails with his latest partner, an orthodontist from Texas. In a shocking revelation, it was reported that he even flew her to Colorado while Angela was still in the hospital on life support.

In addition to his marital issues, James was apparently facing financial difficulties. His friend, Ryan Redfearn, stated that he was in dire economic straits. According to 9News, there were three bankruptcy cases related to James and his dental practice around the time of the alleged murder.

As James Craig's legal case is being constructed against him, he is detained in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. The couple's six children are left to face the tragic and devastating loss of both of their parents, which is a heart-wrenching situation that no child should ever have to endure.

The nature of the alleged crime and the evidence gathered so far suggest that James may have acted with premeditation and willful intent. As such, the prosecution's case against him may be strong.