The Poisonous Smile: 5 Chilling Facts About Dr. James 'Jim' Craig, The Colorado Dentist Sentenced To Life

The shocking case of Dr. James "Jim" Craig, a seemingly upstanding Colorado dentist and father of six, culminated in a guilty verdict and a life sentence, making it one of the most chilling true crime stories of the decade. The details of the methodical poisoning of his wife, Angela Craig, with substances like arsenic and potassium cyanide, have captivated and horrified the public, revealing a dark double life behind the facade of a successful suburban professional. As of late December 2025, the conviction and life sentence for first-degree murder remain the final legal chapter in a case that rocked the Aurora community and exposed the terrifying potential for malice in a trusted figure. The extensive evidence presented during the trial painted a picture of a calculated plan, where Dr. Craig allegedly used his professional access and knowledge to acquire deadly toxins and administer them to his wife over several days in March 2023. This article delves into the biographical context and the five most disturbing revelations from the investigation and subsequent trial that led to James Craig's conviction.

Dr. James 'Jim' Craig: Biographical Profile and Criminal Timeline

The man at the center of the sensational murder trial was known to his community as a devoted husband, father, and successful dental practice owner. The following is a summary of his known profile and the key dates of the crime:

• Full Name: James Toliver Craig
• Known As: Jim Craig, Dr. Craig
• Profession: Dentist (DDS), owner of Summerbrook Dental Group in Aurora, Colorado.
• Age at Arrest: 45 (Born c. 1977-1978)
• Spouse: Angela Craig (Victim, married 23 years)
• Children: Six
• Residence: Aurora, Colorado
• Date of Crime: Early to Mid-March 2023 (Poisoning period)
• Date of Wife's Death: March 18, 2023
• Date of Arrest: March 19, 2023
• Charges: First-Degree Murder, Solicitation to Tamper with Evidence, and other felony counts.
• Verdict: Guilty of First-Degree Murder (Reached in 2024)
• Sentence: Life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Chilling Method: Arsenic, Cyanide, and the Protein Shake

The most disturbing aspect of the case was the methodical nature of the poisoning, which prosecutors argued was a calculated and protracted attempt to kill his wife, Angela Craig. The investigation revealed that Dr. Craig had allegedly ordered highly lethal poisons under the guise of his dental practice, exploiting his position to acquire the deadly chemicals.

1. The Acquisition of Poisons

Evidence showed that Dr. Craig had purchased two extremely dangerous substances: arsenic and potassium cyanide. The cyanide, a substance rarely used in modern dentistry, was allegedly ordered online. Prosecutors contended that he used his professional credentials as a dentist to facilitate the purchase of these toxins, attempting to cover his tracks by claiming they were for legitimate dental research or practice use. This detail highlights the extreme betrayal of trust inherent in his crime.

2. The 'I Feel Drugged' Text Message

Angela Craig was hospitalized multiple times in March 2023 with mysterious symptoms. One of the most heartbreaking pieces of evidence presented during the trial was a text message Angela sent to a friend. In the message, she wrote: "I feel drugged." This message, sent while she was suffering from the effects of the poison, became a crucial piece of the prosecution's case, suggesting she suspected foul play before her eventual death.

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3. The Use of Protein Shakes and Pills

The method of delivery was subtle and insidious. Dr. Craig allegedly mixed the poisons into his wife’s daily routine, primarily through protein shakes and possibly through capsules. This gradual administration led to a slow, agonizing decline in Angela's health, which initially baffled doctors. The symptoms—including severe nausea, dizziness, and extreme fatigue—were initially mistaken for a severe illness, giving Dr. Craig time to continue his plot until the poisons ultimately proved fatal.

Motive and Double Life: The Web of Deceit

The trial also exposed a motive rooted in a desire to escape his marriage and pursue a new life, contrasting sharply with his public image as a devout, family-oriented man. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting a complex web of deceit involving financial strain and an extramarital affair.

4. Financial Distress and a New Relationship

It was revealed that Dr. Craig was allegedly facing significant financial difficulties, and the prospect of a costly divorce may have served as a primary motive. More damning, however, was the revelation of his romantic involvement with another woman, an orthodontist from Texas. Evidence suggested he had been communicating with this woman and planning a future with her, even as his wife was in the hospital fighting for her life. This desire for a new life, unburdened by his current family and financial obligations, was presented as the driving force behind the murder.

5. The Unanimous Guilty Verdict and Life Sentence

After weeks of testimony, the Arapahoe County jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder. The conviction, secured in 2024, resulted in an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole. The sentencing hearing brought emotional testimony from Angela Craig's family and the couple's daughter, who spoke of the profound loss and the utter devastation caused by her father's actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden darkness that can reside behind a polished, professional exterior, and the ultimate justice delivered for the premeditated murder of Angela Craig.

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The "Jim Craig dentist" case will forever be remembered in true crime history as a horrific example of a professional abusing their position of trust and knowledge to commit a heinous act. The life sentence ensures that James Craig will never again pose a threat to the community he once served.

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