Dentist’s ‘complex murder’ of wife

A Colorado dentist was arrested Sunday for allegedly poisoning his wife in what police called a “heinous, complex and calculated murder.”

James Toliver Craig, of Aurora, had driven his 43year-old wife to the hospital Wednesday night after she complained of dizziness and severe headaches, Aurora police said.

Soon after arriving, her condition rapidly deteriorated and she was placed on a ventilator in the ICU before being declared brain dead, investigators said.

Doctors took her off life support early Sunday.

However, they believed her rapid deterioration was suspicious and reported it to police, according to cops.

The Aurora police’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit found that the victim was poisoned — allegedly by the man who had rushed her to the hospital.

“When the suspicious details of this case came to light, our team of officers and homicide detectives tirelessly worked to uncover the truth behind the victim’s sudden illness and death,” Division Chief Mark Hildebrand said. “It was quickly discovered this was in fact a heinous, complex and calculated murder.”

Once the woman was taken off life support, they obtained a warrant and arrested Craig, 45.

He was booked into the county jail on a first-degree murder charge that afternoon, police said. No motive has been released.

Police have not released the victim’s name but in a 2021 press release, Craig said he was “happily married to his wife, Mrs. Angela Craig for 20 years, who often helps out at the practice.”

“They have six children, and they all enjoy the outdoors, especially camping, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking,” the release added. “They also enjoy visiting theme parks and are often traveling to Disney, Universal and Sea World.”