The trial of Colorado dentist James Craig has sparked national attention as prosecutors argue that he poisoned his wife with cyanide to pursue a new romantic life. Meanwhile, the defense has sought to reframe the narrative, casting Angela Craig as a manipulative and unstable individual whose private nature may have influenced the tragic incident.
James Craig, 47, faces first-degree murder charges for the March 2023 death of his wife, Angela, who was found to have lethal doses of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline in her system. Prosecutors have presented a case that suggests Craig used his dental office computer to research undetectable poisons and purchased arsenic and cyanide by mail, later allegedly adding them to her protein shake.
Defense attorney Ashley Whitham has emphasized that Angela was not a victim of betrayal but rather a deeply private and emotionally broken woman who may have manipulated situations to her advantage. According to Whitham, Angela’s reluctance to discuss their marital issues due to her Mormon faith contributed to the isolated and tense environment.
The defense also questions the credibility of digital evidence, suggesting that the absence of direct physical evidence such as cyanide residue on containers or the body could be used to challenge the prosecution’s timeline and motives. Additionally, the defense has raised concerns about the investigation’s focus, arguing that the unexamined laptop could contain information supporting alternative theories of the events.
While prosecutors argue that Craig’s online searches and actions point to premeditation, the defense is working to create reasonable doubt by recontextualizing the case. Defense attorney Kelly Hyman noted that without concrete evidence like poison residue, the case remains speculative, presenting a significant challenge to the prosecution’s case.