James Craig, a dentist from Aurora, Colorado, already facing charges for the alleged poisoning death of his wife, now faces additional accusations from prosecutors. In Arapahoe County court, Craig is charged with plotting the murders of a lead investigator and three others from his jail cell.
James Craig, a dentist by profession, is entangled in serious legal issues. Initially charged with the murder of his wife, Angela Craig, through poisoning, he is now accused of orchestrating further criminal activities from within the confines of a detention facility. Colorado prosecutors recently detailed these accusations, highlighting a scheme that involved soliciting the murder of Detective Bobbi Olson, who was leading the investigation into his wife’s death. Craig allegedly expressed this in a letter, describing Olson as ‘the worst, dirtiest detective in the world.’
During a court hearing in Centennial, details emerged about Craig’s alleged conspiracy to kill Olson and three others. These include an as-yet-unidentified officer referred to as Officer Hillstrand and fellow inmates Tommy Nunley and Roderic ‘Rodger’ Crittenden, both of whom were housed with Craig. The prosecution presented letters and testimonies, including that of Nathaniel Harris, an inmate who claimed Craig offered him $20,000 to commit murder.
The intrigue deepened with Craig’s former attorney, Harvey Steinberg, who withdrew from representation citing ethical conflicts. Shortly after his withdrawal, authorities accused Craig of fabricating evidence to bolster his defense. This alleged fabrication involved attempting to recruit Harris’s ex-wife, Kasiani ‘Kasi’ Konstantinidis, to falsify evidence and portray his wife as suicidal. Prosecutors revealed letters where Craig offered individuals monetary incentives to act out roles supporting his fraudulent narrative.
Craig’s defense team argued against the charges moving forward, pointing out the lack of direct evidence tying Craig to the written plots, such as unverified handwriting and reliance on a single verbal account. Despite these arguments, the judge ruled in favor of prosecuting the new charges, which include solicitation to commit murder and perjury.
The prosecution’s case suggests premeditation not only in the death of Angela Craig but also in attempts to manipulate legal proceedings. The coroner reported Angela’s death as a result of ingesting cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, with arsenic noted as a significant contributing factor. According to affidavits, Craig meticulously planned the poisoning, searching for undetectable methods online while maintaining a facade of normalcy.
This case has captured public attention due to its dramatic elements and the serious nature of the charges. As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes will be on the upcoming trial, with jury selection set for July. Craig maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
As James Craig prepares to face trial, the complexity and gravity of the charges against him underscore the seriousness of the legal battle ahead. The accusation of murder, coupled with alleged plots against investigators, places Craig at the center of a court case that has drawn considerable public scrutiny. The outcome remains uncertain, but the proceedings will undoubtedly offer more insights into this tangled narrative.
