GUILTY CO - Angela Craig, 43, mother of 6, allegedly poisoned by cyanide in protein shake by dentist husband, Aurora, Mar 2023 @2

[Izzylizzy]

I think it depends on the state. I recently read that in GA, the consent of the spouse is not required-- provided the husband has an insurable interest in their life. This means that you will suffer a financial loss in the event of the death of your spouse.

In Utah, I believe Kouri Richins purchased life insurance for her husband by forging his signature.

Specific to Colorado, and per AI:

• Consent of the Insured: Colorado law explicitly states that a policy on the life of an individual (other than noncontributory group life insurance) cannot be effected unless the insured individual, having legal capacity to contract, applies for or consents in writing to the policy and its terms. This means your wife would need to be aware of and agree to the policy being taken out on her life.

And here's an example of "noncontributory group life insurance" in Colorado that was paid on a spouse: Chris Watts received life/AD&D insurance as an employee benefit from Anadarko Petroleum Corporation.

Under the policy, the employee was the "primary" insured but the employee's spouse and children were also deemed "covered" under this policy if the employee elected to allocate a percentage of their policy benefit (principal sum) to them.

It's best explained that if the employee (i.e., primary) was first to die in a covered event, 100% of the principal sum was paid to his named beneficiary, his life benefit was paid out in full, and the employee's benefits terminated.

In the Watts case, his wife and two children were the first to die-- in what was deemed a covered event, so his policy paid the percentages of the principal sum he'd previously assigned to each. According to Colorado Law, this only form of life insurance that would not require the individual's consent to obtain insurance for them-- including a spouse.

GA Spouse

Thanks for clarifying.
I was focused on Colorado/Craigs and shouldn't have made a blanket claim.

 

[Seattle1]

Thanks for clarifying.
I was focused on Colorado/Craigs and shouldn't have made a blanket claim.

No problem!

I can understand why health and auto insurance would not be uniform across the country, but I was surprised to find the disparity between the rules for Life Insurance from state to state.

It was here (WS) that I learned the respective state's Insurance Commissioners typically have a page on their website that defines the type and terms of Life policies sold to residents of their state-- including "Guaranteed Life Insurance." This type of policy offers guaranteed acceptance, meaning no health questions or medical exams are required.

In Colorado, even guaranteed life insurance policies generally pay out for suicide after the first policy year.

• One-Year Suicide Exclusion Period: Colorado law, specifically Colorado Revised Statute § 10-7-109, limits the suicide exclusion period in life insurance policies to one year. This means if the policyholder dies by suicide after the first year, the insurance company cannot deny the claim based on suicide. This applies regardless of whether the suicide was voluntary, involuntary, sane, or insane.
• Overrides Policy Language: State law supersedes any longer suicide exclusion periods written into the policy.
• Physician-Assisted Suicide: In Colorado, physician-assisted suicide under the End-of-Life Options Act is typically not considered suicide for insurance purposes, and the suicide exclusion clause usually does not apply.

First Policy Year: If suicide occurs within the first year, the insurer usually refunds premiums instead of paying the death benefit.

Seems to me in his version of Angela's death, James Craig was relying on Colorado's progressive laws regarding suicide and life insurance.

While "guaranteed life insurance policies" are not written for millions, as an example, from what we know of Craig, it would not have phased him to sign Angela's name for a policy where no medical exam or questionnaire was required! MOO

The Truth About Life Insurance Suicide Coverage in Colorado—No Myths, Just Facts

Learn does life insurance pay for suicidal death in colorado, what the law says, and how to claim benefits after a suicide.

www.kelmeg.com

 

[ch_13]

I would really like to know exactly when those policies were written. I haven't seen it in any of the trial reports, but it may have been in the exhibit that was shown to the jury.

 

[mickey2942]

It makes me so angry and frustrated. SO many people take out life insurance policies for valid reasons, but the fraud, and serious danger of a spouse killing their spouse for cash...so scary.

We have seen many cases on WS, where the spouse was killed for insurance money.

 

[Seattle1]

I would really like to know exactly when those policies were written. I haven't seen it in any of the trial reports, but it may have been in the exhibit that was shown to the jury.

The defense initially challenged the Insurance evidence, citing the attestation from Kansas City Life (Exh 172) which was produced and the same admitted but nothing was reported about the date the policies issued -- only the insured was Angela, and the sole beneficiary, James Craig. Same for Lincoln Life.

LIFE INSURANCE RECORDS ENTER THE CHAT Prosecution shifts to financial motive. Olson confirms law enforcement requested records from Kansas City Life and Lincoln Life as part of the investigation. She states she would recognize the Kansas City Life documents.

9:24 AM · Jul 25, 2025

LIFE INSURANCE EVIDENCE CHALLENGED Prosecution presents Exhibit 107 (a custodian attestation from Kansas City Life) and Exhibit 172 (a summary of life insurance policies for James and Angela Craig). Only 172 is moved for admission.

9:25 AM · Jul 25, 2025

DEFENSE OBJECTS UNDER 902(11)Defense objects to 172, arguing that under Rule 902(11), it cannot come in without the accompanying attestation (Exhibit 107). If 107 is later offered, defense notes prior redaction issues must be addressed. Judge calls parties to approach.

9:25 AM · Jul 25, 2025

LINCOLN LIFE POLICIES ADDED Exhibits 108, 173, and 174 are admitted. Olson confirms two additional Lincoln Life policies insuring Angela Craig. Combined with the Kansas City Life policies, total life insurance coverage reaches $4 million, all benefiting James Craig.

9:36 AM · Jul 25, 2025

FOUR MILLION DOLLARS IN PLAY Olson confirms: two $1M Kansas City Life policies and two irregular-amount Lincoln Life policies add up to a round total of $4 million. In all four, Angela is the insured and James is the sole beneficiary.

9:36 AM · Jul 25, 2025

 

[Niner]

Monday, July 28th:
*Trial continues (Day 10) (@ 8:30am MT) - CO - *Angela Dawn Pray Craig (43) poisoned (potassium cyanide) by husband & left her brain dead & taken off life support (arrived at hospital on Mar. 16, 2023) & died Mar. 18, 2023, Aurora. *James Toliver Craig (45/now 47) arrested (3/19/23), charged (3/23/23), formally charged (7/12/23) & arraigned (10/9/23) with 1st degree premeditated murder after deliberations & tampering with physical evidence. Amended charges (4/12/24): 1st degree murder (F1) & 2 counts of solicitation to commit with physical evidence [1 for an inmate & 1 for family member]. Added charges [11/21/24] solicitation to commit 1st degree murder [of Aurora Police Detective] & solicitation to commit perjury in the 1st degree. Held without bond. Bond set at $10M on 6/28/23. Plead not guilty (10/9/23 to murder & on 2/14/25 to Solicitation).
Added charges [4/11/25] with Solicitation to commit tampering with physical evidence. Arapahoe County
Jury selection began on 7/10/25 & ended on 7/14/25. Jury: 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial began on 7/15/25 & goes through 8/1/25. All start @ 8:30am.
Judge Shay K. Whitaker presiding. Senior Chief Deputy DA Michael Mauro, Assistant DA Ryan Brackley & Deputy DA Osama Maagrebi. Defense attorneys Lisa Fine Moses & Ashley Whitham.
Case & Court info from 3/16/23 thru 7/3/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-3 [7/10-7/14/24] & Trial Day 1-8 (7/15-24/25) reference post #22 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/co-a...ntist-husband-aurora-mar-2023-2.749361/page-2
7/25/25 Friday, Trial Day 9: State witness: Detective Bobbi Olson returns on stand [see posts 33 & 34, page 2].
Trial continues on Monday, 7/28/25.

 

[BUF]

Det Olson back on the stand this morning….

Prosecution asked Det Olson if Craig had admitted to filling a syringe with cyanide. Detective Olson said “yes”.

https://kdvr.com/news/local/james-craig-trial-live-updates-as-witness-statements-resume-monday/

 

[arielilane]

I. James Craig Trial — WEEK THREE BEGINS IN MURDER TRIAL
Court resumes for the third week in the James Craig Trial for the alleged murder of Angela Craig by the Aurora dentist.Jury's in.

II. James Craig Trial — DIRECT EXAMINATION CONTINUES
Court resumes with continued direct examination of the lead detective. Focus remains on surveillance footage, phone data, and Craig’s written timeline of events leading to Angela’s poisoning.

III. James Craig Trial — CYANIDE CAPSULES AND SYRINGE PREP
Craig's timeline note states Angela planned to ingest eye drops and cyanide. He claims she asked for the cyanide in capsules, with a syringe of potassium cyanide in water as backup. He says he filled two capsules with 300 mg each and prepared about a dozen more.

IV. James Craig Trial — CLINDAMYCIN DOSING AND COVER
Craig wrote he reserved four untainted clindamycin capsules and gave Angela doses on March 14 at 10 p.m. and March 15 at 4 a.m. A text from him on March 14 at 12 p.m. says, "Yeah to the clindamycin I ode. Just putting it together now.”

V. James Craig Trial — DRUG BOTTLE AND HOME ACCESS
At the time Craig wrote the timeline note (1:03 a.m. on March 16), he did not have access to his home. A bottle of clindamycin was found during a home search later that morning, before police were aware of the note. By March 21, the bottle was gone.

VI. James Craig Trial — SYRINGE PREPARATION AND TIMING
Craig admits preparing a syringe with potassium cyanide. He claims Angela drank eye drops and was later lethargic. He says her brother unknowingly gave her capsules with cyanide during a 10 a.m. antibiotic dose. Police confirmed eye drop content in her pink shaker bottle.

VII. James Craig Trial — HOSPITAL VIDEO VS. CLAIMS
Craig’s note says Angela asked him to “help her finish the job” while alone with her at the hospital. Surveillance shows he was alone for one minute after her brother left. Craig claims he gave her the syringe, turned his back, then saw it used by her IV.

VIII. James Craig Trial — FINAL SYRINGE ACT
Craig writes that he pocketed the used syringe, alerted nurses about her arm pain, and that “must have done the trick because I don't think she ever regained consciousness.” He also says he prepared all concoctions but did not administer them.

IX. James Craig Trial — NO FORCING CLAIMED
Craig ends this section of the note by claiming he never forced Angela to do anything. He maintains that although he researched, ordered, and prepared poisons, she made the decisions and actions herself.

X. James Craig Trial — I GAVE HER THE SYRINGE, THEN TURNED MY BACK
Craig's timeline note claims Angela asked him to finish the job. He says he gave her the cyanide syringe and turned around. Objection when prosecution implied syringe came from home. Sustained. Craig says she injected herself. One minute alone on video.

XI. James Craig Trial — NO SUICIDE “MISCALCULATION” IN TIMELINE
Craig’s timeline note (Exhibit 60) admits he made all the concoctions. He denies forcing Angela to take them, but unlike other writings, it does not claim her death was accidental or due to miscalculation.

XII. James Craig Trial — NO “GAME OF CHICKEN” IN TIMELINE EVIDENCE
Detective confirms Exhibit 60 contains no mention of the “game of chicken” Craig described to the Redferns. Nor does it support the claim, in Exhibit 43, that Angela was “setting Jim up.”

XIII. James Craig Trial — NO “SETUP” THEORY IN TIMELINE
Defense Exhibit 43 mentions Angela “setting Jim up.”Prosecutor asks if 60 includes that theory.Defense objects: jury must assess evidence, not detective.Court overrules.Detective: No, that’s not in Exhibit 60.

XIV. James Craig Trial — “MISTAKE” CLAIM ABSENT IN TIMELINE
Exhibit 73 includes: “I sincerely believe she made a calculation mistake.”Prosecutor: Is that in 60?Detective: No.Court sustains prior objections on interpretation but allows factual comparison.

XV. James Craig Trial — DEFENDANT ASKED FOR WITNESSES TO BACK “SETUP” THEORY
Exhibit 74 shows Craig asking for people to testify Angela was suicidal or setting him up.Prosecutor: Is that in 60?Defense objects again.Court: Objection noted.Detective: 60 includes neither claim.

XVI. James Craig Trial — DIRECT RESUMES AFTER LENGTHY SIDEBAR
Following a sustained objection and bench discussion, direct examination picks back up. Prosecutor returns focus to Craig’s writings and communications, contrasting Exhibit 60 with later letters and texts regarding Angela’s intent and cause of death.

XVII. James Craig Trial — DEFENSE TIMELINES ADMITTED
Detective confirms a connection between Craig and Roger Crittenden. Defense moves to admit Exhibits 185–194: a series of timelines showing Angela’s symptoms, Craig’s searches, and poison purchases. Prosecution objects under evidentiary rules. Sidebar follows. All exhibits ultimately admitted.

XVIII. James Craig Trial — PHONE SEIZED, STILL TEXTING DETECTIVE
After investigators seized Craig’s iPhone on March 16, 2023, he continued texting the detective using another device. Exhibit 272 is introduced to show this post-seizure communication. Admitted after a sidebar.

XIX. James Craig Trial — DIRECT ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE FOR PROSECUTION
Direct examination concludes after a series of admissions, including 185–194 (timelines) and 272 (post-seizure text). Detective confirms Craig kept communicating with law enforcement even after his phone was seized.

XX. James Craig Trial — CROSS EXAM OPENS WITH MEDIA LEAK CONCERNS
Defense begins cross by pressing lead detective on the impact of the public affidavit. Detective admits the March 15 arrest affidavit—widely circulated in news and online—limited the ability to verify independent tips. Detective agrees that typically, withholding key info helps test credibility of informants.

XXI. James Craig Trial — JAILHOUSE NEWS AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Detective confirms news of the allegations reached the jail and was discussed openly. Defense argues media exposure tainted witness pool, referencing Mr. Bohannon's knowledge. Detective concedes Bohannon knew details that were both public and some not in the affidavit, like Craig's truck type.

XXII. James Craig Trial — VIDEO FOOTAGE AND FRONT DOOR CAMERA
Defense confirms detective viewed extensive surveillance, including outdoor camera footage showing movement through the front door. Detective acknowledges camera visibility varies depending on lighting.

XXIII. James Craig Trial — FRONT DOOR CAMERA FOOTAGE
Defense confirms with the detective that video footage shows the street in front of Craig’s home. If Craig’s truck was parked there, it could be captured by the camera—depending on lighting and angle.

XXIV. James Craig Trial — FOUR AFFAIRS, ONE MARRIAGE
Detective testifies to four women Craig was intimately or romantically involved with from October to March: Jordan Ivy, Kerry Hagerath, Elizabeth Gore, and Karin Cain. Timeline confirms overlapping contacts. Defense says another unnamed woman also exchanged flirtatious texts with Craig.

XXV. James Craig Trial — MICHELLE POPE & THE PATTERN
Defense introduces Michelle Pope, another woman Craig communicated with. Though not physically involved, his tone matched the flirty pattern seen with the others. Detective agrees Craig used the same “demeanor” in all messages, though it was “deeper” with Karin Cain.

XXVI. James Craig Trial — AFFAIRS SPAN YEARS, NOT MONTHS
Detective concedes this wasn’t a new marital issue. Information suggests Craig’s affairs go back at least a decade. Defense mentions Angela Craig’s journal referenced long-term infidelity. Detective thinks first affair began roughly 10 years ago.

XXVII. James Craig Trial — ANGELA’S JOURNAL & THE STORAGE UNIT
Angela’s journal was found in a storage unit rented by the family after Craig’s arrest. Detective never physically saw the journal nor searched the storage. He received a copy from Tony Kofed and confirms it is the same journal now submitted as Defense Exhibit AAA.

XXVIII. James Craig Trial — DEFENSE CALLS SIDEBAR
Just as the journal copy is confirmed and Defense Exhibit AAA moves toward admission, the defense requests a sidebar. Proceedings pause for private discussion at the bench.

XXIX. James Craig Trial — COURT BREAK UNTIL 10:30
At 10:10 AM, Judge announces a break until 10:30. Jury reminded: no discussions, no outside research, no forming opinions until all evidence is presented. Court temporarily adjourns.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1949865094319387049

 

[arielilane]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1949875084123922920

 

[Cindizzi]

https://kdvr.com/news/local/james-craig-trial-live-updates-as-witness-statements-resume-monday/

 

[Izzylizzy]

I'm confused about JC's defense (?) that AC wanted to commit suicide and he provided and prepared the means for her to do so.
Is it not illegal to provide the poisons to someone to kill themselves and especially if you're a doctor?
What he's claiming does not fall under Colorado's "Assisted Suicide" laws so where does he think this could get him with the jury?

 

[arielilane]

Colorado dentist’s lover reveals staggering ‘4,000 texts in 18 days’ during murder trial testimony

Dr. James Toliver Craig is charged with first-degree murder in the March 2023 death of his wife, Angela Craig.

nypost.com

Jul 27

 

[arielilane]

Week 2 Bombshells. James Craig Trail of Lies, Affairs, and a Murder-for-Hire Plot | Profiling Evil​

 

[Megnut]

I'm confused about JC's defense (?) that AC wanted to commit suicide and he provided and prepared the means for her to do so.
Is it not illegal to provide the poisons to someone to kill themselves and especially if you're a doctor?
What he's claiming does not fall under Colorado's "Assisted Suicide" laws so where does he think this could get him with the jury?

And doesn't dovetail with his other ridiculous narrative that she killed herself in order to frame him.

Gaslighters think they're credible -- and in the context of marriage, they have partners who are invested in their marriages and families, might be under coercive control, might have tiring or untiring hope, don't want to give up or (a thousand other reasons) --

But jurors have no such loyalty.

Jury is asking the exact same questions. And must be shaking their heads.

Trying to create trainable doubt about how the drugs got in her. IMO just making himself look WORSE (if that's possible).

JMO

 

[Seattle1]

https://kdvr.com/news/local/james-craig-trial-live-updates-as-witness-statements-resume-monday/

From the MSM link:

Prosecution asked Det. Olson if Craig had admitted to filling a syringe with cyanide. According to Detective Olson, Craig said that he did admit to this, and he said that he prepared the concoctions for her but did not administer them or force her to.

Detective Olson went over notes and timelines where Craig had said Angela was suicidal.

“It was a game of chicken,” Craig allegedly had said.

From the beginning, the Defense has said they don’t dispute the toxins in Angela Craig’s system. Defense attorneys have said how they got there is the question.

The defense is now questioning Det. Olson in cross-examination. A journal belonging to Angela from several years ago was presented as evidence. The journal was found in a storage unit after Angela was arrested. In it, she writes about a feeling of hopelessness and not being enough for Craig. She said she was not sad but depressed, said that hope was lost and that the good times were a lie.
_________________________________

SMH. I cannot believe JC went to trial with this suicide defense. His arrogance could choke an entire county! JMO

 

[Megnut]

From the MSM link:

Prosecution asked Det. Olson if Craig had admitted to filling a syringe with cyanide. According to Detective Olson, Craig said that he did admit to this, and he said that he prepared the concoctions for her but did not administer them or force her to.

Detective Olson went over notes and timelines where Craig had said Angela was suicidal.

“It was a game of chicken,” Craig allegedly had said.

From the beginning, the Defense has said they don’t dispute the toxins in Angela Craig’s system. Defense attorneys have said how they got there is the question.

The defense is now questioning Det. Olson in cross-examination. A journal belonging to Angela from several years ago was presented as evidence. The journal was found in a storage unit after Angela was arrested. In it, she writes about a feeling of hopelessness and not being enough for Craig. She said she was not sad but depressed, said that hope was lost and that the good times were a lie.
_________________________________

SMH. I cannot believe JC went to trial with this suicide defense. His arrogance could choke an entire county! JMO

Game of chicken? Help me here. What exactly was the game?

It's like he's not even trying to make sense.

Paperwork will take longer than deliberations.

JMO

 

[ch_13]

I'm confused about JC's defense (?) that AC wanted to commit suicide and he provided and prepared the means for her to do so.
Is it not illegal to provide the poisons to someone to kill themselves and especially if you're a doctor?
What he's claiming does not fall under Colorado's "Assisted Suicide" laws so where does he think this could get him with the jury?

Well, he's not charged with assisted suicide, so in theory, if the jury believes his story then they have to vote not guilty.

Not that I think there's any chance in hell that the jury buys what he's selling.

 

[BUF]

I'm confused about JC's defense (?) that AC wanted to commit suicide and he provided and prepared the means for her to do so.
Is it not illegal to provide the poisons to someone to kill themselves and especially if you're a doctor?
What he's claiming does not fall under Colorado's "Assisted Suicide" laws so where does he think this could get him with the jury?

From when his partner first discovered he ordered the cyanide and Craig said it was a game of chicken, to trying to involve his paramours, then trying to get his cell mate and another inmate to find questionable people for hire and have the detective killed, to trying to get his own daughter involved in his scheme.

The suicide thing was just another scheme that he was trying since he was caught.

moo

 

[Izzylizzy]

Well, he's not charged with assisted suicide, so in theory, if the jury believes his story then they have to vote not guilty.

Not that I think there's any chance in hell that the jury buys what he's selling.

He couldn't have been charged with "assisted suicide" because that is a legal process which AC wouldn't even have qualified for.

So JC could get a pass by the jury on 1st degree murder because of his claims that he just supplied his wife with the poison to kill herself even though he's not charged with being her supplier?

I've reached the "facepalm" stage. lol
Looking forward to the defense's closing and if they run with it, I missed opening statements.


imo

 

[BUF]

Oh pleez…..

As a detective and attorneys read parts of Angela’s journal, defendant James Craig looked like he was crying. It’s the first time I’ve seen this in the trial.

I am sitting behind James Craig. His back is to me. He appeared to lean forward and his body shook.

I could see him using a tissue on his face as parts of the journal were read. Here are parts of that journal that were read in court. Some of these statements are paraphrased and not direct quotes.

I feel like our good times were a lie. I feel betrayed. The good times were a lie. He was a lie. I don’t feel safe. It’s taking everything I have to stay out of his email today. I’m not ready to give that amount of trust again.

https://kdvr.com/news/local/james-craig-trial-live-updates-as-witness-statements-resume-monday/