Colorado Dentist Convicted of First-Degree Murder
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- Published: Friday, 03 October 2025 10:05
- Written by News Editor
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Aftaer a two week trial, Colorado dentist, Dr James Craig, has been convicted of first-degree murder following the death of his wife, Angela Craig, in March 2023.
Background and Course of Events
Prosecutors demonstrated that over a 10-day period, Dr Craig administered repeated doses of poison to his wife, including by contaminating protein shakes she consumed. Angela Craig subsequently developed severe, unexplained symptoms that led to her admission to a Denver-area hospital. Despite medical interventions, her condition deteriorated, and she was declared brain dead shortly afterwards.
Toxicology testing later confirmed that she had died from cyanide poisoning, with additional toxic levels of tetrahydrozoline — a compound commonly found in over-the-counter eye drops — also present.
Attempts to Conceal the Crime
In addition to murder, the jury found Dr Craig guilty of multiple related offences aimed at concealing his involvement. Evidence showed that he attempted to persuade others to falsify testimony, including asking his daughter to record a fabricated video of her mother requesting to be poisoned. He was also accused of attempting to enlist an inmate to kill the lead detective in the case. Jurors ultimately rejected Craig’s defence claim that his wife had asked him to assist in ending her own life.
Courtroom Proceedings and Family Testimony
Family members of Angela Craig provided emotional testimony at the sentencing hearing, describing the lasting impact of her death. One of the couple’s six children told the court that their father would “forever be a villain.” Angela Craig’s sister, Toni Kofoed, spoke of the loss of a lifelong relationship, recalling their shared conversations and family trips. Addressing the defendant directly, she said: “Her life was not yours to take … Angela had a love and a passion for life. She loved her children and, unfortunately, she loved you.”
Several family members were visibly distressed during the proceedings, underlining the deep emotional toll of the crime.
Motive and Prosecution Case
Prosecutors argued that Dr Craig’s motive stemmed from his desire to leave the marriage without the financial and reputational consequences of divorce. They asserted that he wanted to protect his professional image while pursuing a relationship with another woman. The prosecution also presented hospital security footage that appeared to show Dr Craig carrying a syringe before entering his wife’s room. Her condition deteriorated shortly afterwards.
In their defence, Craig’s attorneys questioned the reliability of the video evidence and argued that syringes recovered did not contain poison. They further suggested that Angela Craig may have taken her own life and accused investigators of focusing too narrowly on Dr Craig. However, the jury concluded otherwise, delivering guilty verdicts on all major counts.
Outcome
Dr Craig did not testify during the trial and no additional defence witnesses were called. He now faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
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