Colorado dentist’s murder trial put on hold after defense ‘suddenly quit’
The murder trial for a Colorado dentist accused of poisoning his wife to death has hit a roadblock as the defense attorney unexpectedly quit during jury selection. James Toliver Craig, 45, is facing charges for allegedly killing his wife, Angela Craig, by putting poison in her protein shakes. Angela, a 43-year-old mother of six who had been married to James for 23 years, passed away in March 2023 due to poisoning from cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a substance found in over-the-counter eye drops.
The trial, which had been postponed previously, was supposed to commence with jury selection on Thursday. However, the defense counsel cited a “professional conflict” and requested to withdraw from the case, causing a delay. Craig declined to represent himself, leading to further postponement of the proceedings.
According to an arrest affidavit, Craig allegedly flew his orthodontist lover from Austin to Denver while his wife was gravely ill. The pair engaged in sexually explicit emails, indicating an extramarital affair. The document also outlined the couple’s troubled marriage, financial woes, and James Craig’s alleged sinister plan to murder his wife.
Investigators revealed that Craig established a secret email account called jimandwaffles.com on a computer at his now-closed dental practice. He was found to have searched online for terms like “How to make murder look like a heart attack” and “How to make poison.” Additionally, Craig reportedly researched undetectable poisons, purchased some, and ordered potassium cyanide on an expedited delivery, despite not requiring it.
A sister of Angela, Toni Kofoed, disclosed to authorities that Craig had drugged his wife five years prior in a suicide attempt. She also mentioned that their marriage had always been tumultuous, with Craig engaging in multiple extramarital affairs and struggling with a pornography addiction. Angela had expressed her intention to leave him numerous times over the years but was persuaded to stay.
Financial troubles plagued the Craigs, with the couple on the brink of declaring bankruptcy for the second time. Angela informed her sister that James had squandered over $2,000 on a Las Vegas trip. In a separate incident, Craig allegedly asked a fellow inmate to plant fake suicide notes in his garage and truck to frame his wife as suicidal. The inmate declined and reported the incident to authorities.
James Craig faces charges of first-degree murder and solicitation to commit tampering with physical evidence. He pleaded not guilty to these charges and is scheduled for his next court appearance on December 16. The case has garnered significant attention due to the intricate web of deceit, betrayal, and alleged murder that has unfolded. The investigation continues, and justice for Angela Craig remains a top priority.
