Former Colorado dentist gets life in prison for killing wife with poison protein shakes

A former Colorado dentist will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being found guilty of murdering his wife. A jury found James Craig, a former dentist from Aurora, guilty of murdering his wife, Angela Craig, in 2023 by poisoning her protein shakes. He was also convicted of five other felonies related to the case.

Investigation revealed premeditated murder

Prosecutors built their case using digital evidence, witness testimony, and records of Craig’s actions to prove he planned and carried out the murder. They presented internet searches Craig made, text messages exchanged between Craig and Angela, and explained how Craig ordered toxic chemicals and had them sent to his dental office.

Angela was mysteriously sick multiple times before dying in March 2023. In the 10 days before her death, she was admitted to the hospital three times because of strange and serious symptoms, but doctors didn’t know the cause at first, according to multiple reports.

After she died, the medical examiner determined that she had been poisoned with cyanide, the eye drop ingredient tetrahydrozoline, and arsenic.

Prosecutors argued Craig made protein shakes for Angela, which became the murder weapon.

Craig’s defense and sentencing

Craig tried to suggest that his wife wanted to die by suicide, and that she asked him to get the poison, 9News reports.

James Craig was convicted of first-degree murder, two counts of solicitation to commit tampering with physical evidence, two counts of solicitation to commit perjury in the first degree, and one count of solicitation of first-degree murder.

Judge Shay Whitaker sentenced Craig to life in prison for first-degree murder, along with an additional 33 years for the five related felony convictions. The sentences will be served consecutively, not concurrently, meaning Craig must serve the life sentence first, followed by the 33-year term. In practical terms, this ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Family impact and possible appeal

James and Angela’s 21-year-old daughter delivered a tearful impact statement, saying life will never be the same without her mom and that her father betrayed her trust.

“I was supposed to be able to trust my dad,” she said. “He was supposed to be my hero, and instead he’ll forever be a villain in my book.”

Arapahoe County Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley said at a news conference following Craig’s sentencing in Colorado on Wednesday that there’s likely to be an appeal in the case. He says his office is ready to defend Craig’s conviction.