James Toliver Craig, a Colorado dentist, has recently been charged with solicitation to commit murder and perjury while facing charges of first-degree murder for the alleged poisoning of his wife, Angela Craig. James, 45, pleaded not guilty to the earlier charge connected to the death of Angela, his wife of 23 years. Angela, a mother of six, died in March 2023 after being poisoned with cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a substance typically found in over-the-counter eye drops. No longer just contending with his wife’s death, James now faces scrutiny for allegedly attempting to orchestrate the murder of an Aurora police detective involved in the investigation into Angela’s death. The charges against him were formally announced by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The newest accusations against James stem from alleged attempts to induce another inmate at the Arapahoe County jail to kill Detective Joe Moylan, who has been publicly identified as the investigator on the case. Reports suggest that the unnamed inmate, who did not face any charges related to the alleged plot, approached authorities with the details of James’s request. This request follows a prior incident in which James was accused of soliciting a fellow inmate to plant false suicide notes in order to fabricate a narrative that would clear him of blame regarding Angela’s death. His strategies reportedly included offering financial compensation or dental services in exchange for the favor, a claim that has raised numerous ethical and legal questions surrounding his actions.
Court documents indicate that just prior to Angela’s illnesses and subsequent death, James was conducting internet searches related to methods of murder, poison, and specifically how to simulate causes of death that would not implicate him directly. Angela had reportedly visited hospitals several times for symptoms that included dizziness and fainting, which were ultimately attributed to the poisons she consumed. The police investigation explores James’s extensive research into “undetectable poisons” and a shipment of potassium cyanide found linked to his dental practice, highlighting alarming premeditation regarding his wife’s death, as noted by Aurora police Detective Bobbi Olson.
The ongoing trial, now delayed due to conflicts with James’s defense counsel, adds complexity to James’s legal situation. Originally set for November 21, the hearing has been rescheduled to December 16. Not only is James’s alleged plot against the detective a troubling developments but it also reveals a strategy indicating an extensive effort to evade responsibility for Angela’s death. His defense team maintains that there is no conclusive evidence proving that he poisoned his wife’s protein shakes, asserting that elements of the investigation reflect bias against him.
In addition to the distressing allegations of murder, the investigation has unveiled details of a personal life fraught with betrayals. Angela’s sister, Toni Kofoed, disclosed that Angela had confided in her regarding plans to leave James multiple times throughout their marriage; however, James frequently persuaded his wife to remain. Financial troubles reportedly exacerbated the volatile relationship, with the couple nearing bankruptcy for a second time. Furthermore, claims of James having engaged in various extramarital affairs during their marriage have emerged, suggesting a pattern of deceit which might have contributed to his state of mind during the events leading up to Angela’s death.
The re-emergence of these serious allegations against Craig not only complicates the legal landscape of his case but also paints a tragic portrait of a familial relationship tainted by manipulation and tragedy. As the legal proceedings unfold, the family and community continue to grapple with the implications of such a shocking case, where love has tragically turned into a story of profound betrayal and a desperate bid for escape from accountability. With upcoming judicial hearings, the anticipation mounts over what further evidence will be presented and how it might ultimately influence Craig’s fate and the ongoing search for justice for Angela Craig.
