Aurora, CO — In a shocking twist to a murder case that has captivated the community, an Aurora dentist charged with the poisoning death of his wife is now facing additional allegations of plotting to kill a police detective and bribing a witness to perjure herself. James Craig, who is accused of first-degree murder in the 2023 death of 43-year-old Angela Craig, allegedly offered $20,000 to a fellow inmate to execute the lead detective on his case and to pay the inmate’s ex-wife to lie at his upcoming trial.
The grim details emerged during a preliminary hearing where District Court Judge Shay Whitaker found sufficient evidence to proceed with new charges of solicitation to commit murder and perjury. Testimonies from law enforcement officials and the presentation of two letters, supposedly penned by Craig, played a crucial role in the judge’s decision.
According to testimony at the hearing, while being held at the Arapahoe County Jail, Craig disclosed his deadly plans to a podmate. He purportedly aimed to eliminate not just the detective spearheading his case but also two other inmates and an additional police officer. However, investigators have yet to identify the second officer Craig allegedly targeted.
The scheme reportedly extended to manipulation of evidence to corrupt his own trial. In detailed correspondence, Craig is said to have described how his inmate’s ex-wife could impersonate a friend of his deceased wife. He allegedly outlined his wife’s personal background, admitted to several affairs, and disclosed ways to access and alter photos to fabricate a friendship between the women.
Prosecutors assert that Craig promised to compensate the woman handsomely for her involvement and sought her help to recruit others who could stand as witnesses in his defense. This plot, if proven true, could significantly impact not just the murder case but the integrity of judicial proceedings.
Craig’s defense team contested the authenticity of the letters and suggested the co-inmate had reasons to fabricate the story. They argue there is no concrete proof linking Craig to the alleged plots outlined in the letters.
As the case unfolds, the community is left to ponder the depths of deception and betrayal possibly wielded by a trusted medical professional. The implications of these new allegations are profound, touching not only the legal community but also shaking the trust of citizens in the professionals they depend on.
James Craig’s trial, which will now include the recent charges, is scheduled from July 14 to August 1. As more details are expected to surface, the community waits with bated breath for justice to be served in this unsettling saga of murder, deceit, and alleged corruption.