Murder Trial Begins for Colorado Dentist Accused of Poisoning Wife’s Protein Shakes

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The high-profile murder trial of a Colorado dentist accused of fatally poisoning his wife with tainted protein shakes officially began this week, as opening statements were delivered Tuesday in an Arapahoe County courtroom. James Craig, 47, is charged with first-degree murder and multiple other offenses after allegedly plotting his wife’s death in 2023 using a toxic cocktail of potassium cyanide and tetrahydrozoline.

Craig remains in custody without bond at the Arapahoe County Detention Center. His trial is expected to last several weeks, with emotional testimony and forensic evidence likely to play key roles. The case continues to draw national attention due to its shocking nature and the methodical details prosecutors say were involved in the alleged murder.

Angela Craig, 43, a mother of six and wife of 23 years, died after suffering a series of unexplained illnesses. Prosecutors say James Craig searched for methods to disguise murder as a heart attack and tried to make it appear Angela took her own life. According to authorities, Craig attempted several poisonings before finally succeeding. Angela was hospitalized multiple times, and during one stay, she accused her husband of misleading doctors by suggesting she was suicidal, a claim supported by home surveillance video.

Attempted Cover-Up

What makes this case more alarming is what allegedly happened after Craig’s arrest. Prosecutors revealed in court that Craig offered a fellow inmate $20,000 to kill the lead investigator on the case. He also attempted to bribe another individual the same amount to find false witnesses who would claim Angela planned to end her life. These developments, introduced this week, form a significant part of the prosecution’s strategy to show premeditation and obstruction.

Despite the allegations, Craig has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including solicitation to commit murder and solicitation to commit perjury. His defense team argues the jailhouse claims are unreliable and maintains that no poison was detected in the protein shake containers. They also allege the police formed conclusions too early and ignored evidence that could have helped their client.

At the time of Angela’s death, prosecutors say Craig was under financial pressure and having an affair with a fellow dentist. While a direct motive has yet to be formally laid out in court, the state uses these details to paint a broader picture of Craig’s mindset.

With a father accused of killing his wife and children now watching the legal battle unfold, the trial promises to be both complex and emotionally charged. The outcome could hinge on forensic results and the credibility of jailhouse witnesses and digital search histories that prosecutors argue speak volumes.