James Craig and his wife, Angela, were married for more than two decades and raised a family of six children. They created a warm and joyful home environment, despite their hectic schedules. They always found time for regular exercise, often opting for joint runs or gym sessions. Following their workouts, James would whip up protein shakes or fruit smoothies for breakfast, while Angela attended to the needs of their kids as they prepared for the day ahead.
Angela started encountering intense headaches and vision disturbances. She sought medical attention after experiencing tingling sensations and feeling unusually cold. Despite several consultations with doctors, the root of her symptoms remained elusive. It wasn’t until her third hospital visit that Angela was admitted, but unfortunately, her health deteriorated rapidly, leading to her untimely passing.
One of Dr. Craig’s dental assistants, Summer Brooks, vividly remembered receiving a parcel addressed to him that contained potassium cyanide. Concerned, she researched the symptoms of cyanide poisoning and was shocked to find a striking resemblance between Angela’s condition and those associated with cyanide exposure. Acting swiftly, Brooks contacted Craig’s colleague, Ryan Redfearn, who confirmed that there was no legitimate reason for cyanide to be present in their workplace. Redfearn promptly alerted a nurse, who, following legal obligations, notified the authorities about the concerning discovery.
Authorities ordered an autopsy with additional toxicology tests. The results showed Angela died from poisoning by cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, an ingredient found in eyedrops. Although investigators could not confirm how the cyanide was administered, the tests revealed her cyanide levels increased while she was hospitalized.
Police searched Craig’s computer and found searches about poisoning, including “how to make poison” and “top undetectable poisons.”
Less than 24 hours after Angela’s death, police arrested dentist James Toliver Craig for murder and tampering with evidence. A 52-page arrest affidavit detailed his concerning internet searches, three poison purchases, an affair, and attempts to cover his tracks.
Authorities later discovered Craig allegedly tried to hire his cellmate, Nathaniel Harris, to kill Aurora Police Detective Bobbi Jo Olson for $20,000, calling her the “worst, dirtiest detective.” He also allegedly targeted another officer and two inmates.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Additional Guests
- oxicologist, Physician, Biomedical Engineer, Attorney; Author: “Toxic Tort: Medical and Legal Elements”
- Dr. Shavaun Scott – Psychotherapist, Author of “The Minds of Mass Killers: Understanding and Interrupting the Pathway to Violence”
- Steffan Tubbs – Host: ‘Arsenic, DDS – The Bizarre Case of Dr. James Craig’; Former patient of James Craig
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
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