James Craig and his wife, Angela, were married for over 20 years and built a family of six. They maintained a loving, happy household. Despite their busy schedules, they made time for daily workouts, often running or going to the gym together. After exercising, James prepared protein shakes or fruit smoothies for breakfast while Angela got the children ready for the day.
Angela began experiencing severe headaches and vision problems. She went to the hospital, reporting tingling and cold sensations. Despite multiple visits, doctors could not determine the cause. On her third visit, she was admitted, but her condition rapidly declined, and she died shortly after.
Summer Brooks, a dental assistant, recalled opening a package for Dr. Craig that contained potassium cyanide. She searched for symptoms of cyanide poisoning and was alarmed by how closely they matched Angela’s symptoms. She contacted Craig’s partner, Ryan Redfearn, who confirmed there was no medical reason for cyanide to be in their practice. Redfearn informed a nurse, who reported it to the police as required by law.
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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