Dentist Accused of Murder Also Plotted to Kill Investigator

Additional Felony Charges Filed Against Colorado Dentist

James Craig, a 45-year-old Colorado dentist, already facing charges for allegedly poisoning his wife, Angela Craig, now faces two new felony charges. According to a report published by CNN, the charges include solicitation to commit first-degree murder. Authorities allege that Craig attempted to solicit a fellow inmate to kill one of the Aurora police detectives involved in his case.

Aurora Police confirmed the intended target but have not disclosed the detective’s identity. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office declined to provide further details, stating on social media, “We are unable to comment further due to the pending case.”

The new charges were announced just one day after Craig’s defense attorney withdrew from the case. Jury selection, originally scheduled for last Thursday, has been postponed until Craig secures new legal representation.

Accusations of Poisoning and Pre-Meditation

The charges against Craig stem from the March 2023 death of his wife, Angela Craig, 43. According to the arrest affidavit, Angela was hospitalized three times in March after suffering from severe headaches and dizziness. She was declared medically brain dead shortly after her final visit on March 15.

Investigators allege that James Craig conducted internet searches on his work computer in the weeks before his wife’s illness. These searches included terms such as “undetectable poisons” and “how many grams of pure arsenic will kill a human.”

A package of arsenic was reportedly delivered to the couple’s home just days before Angela Craig’s hospitalization. Following a text exchange in which Angela told her husband, “I feel drugged,” James Craig replied, “Just for the record, I didn’t drug you.”

Police began their investigation after a business partner raised concerns about Craig ordering potassium cyanide to his dental practice. According to the affidavit, Angela Craig’s autopsy revealed lethal doses of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, with arsenic poisoning listed as a contributing factor in her death.

Defense Attorney’s Withdrawal Clouds Trial’s Future

Last week, Craig’s defense attorney, Harvey Steinberg, withdrew from the case following a closed-door hearing. Citing rules of professional conduct, Steinberg referenced ethical conflicts in continuing representation, including the possibility that Craig’s actions involved criminal or fraudulent behavior.

Steinberg’s withdrawal has delayed proceedings indefinitely, leaving Craig without legal representation as his December 16 court date approaches.

Allegations of Plotting Against a Police Detective

The latest allegations against Craig add a new layer of complexity to the case. Authorities claim Craig sought to convince another inmate to kill one of the detectives who investigated Angela Craig’s death. Details of the alleged plot remain under wraps, and court documents do not disclose when or where the solicitation occurred.

The unfolding case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting both the alleged criminal elements and the personal tragedies involved. Craig has pleaded not guilty to the initial murder charge and awaits trial for these new allegations.

This report is based on information published by CNN, including contributions from Andi Babineau, Andy Rose, Raja Razek, and Elizabeth Wolfe.