Alleged ‘killer dentist’ stands trial for killing his wife by poison.James Craig is standing trial for murder, tampering with evidence and perjury. @MattGutmanABC reports.
https://x.com/genjustlaw
II. James Craig Trial — COURT BACK IN SESSIONThe courtroom is live again.Judge Whitaker has returned to the bench, and the prosecution is calling its next witness.All eyes are now back on the stand as testimony continues in the murder trial of Dr. James Craig.
10:43 AM · Jul 18, 2025
III. James Craig Trial — ANGEL AMERINE TAKES THE STAND The prosecution calls Angel Amerine, former dental assistant to James Craig. She confirms she worked for Craig for about 6 months and now lives in South Carolina.
10:51 AM · Jul 18, 2025
IV. James Craig Trial — DENTAL ASSISTANT TESTIFIES Amerine explains her duties assisting the dentist and managing office operations.She testifies that on March 9, 2023, during an implant training, she received “multiple texts” from Craig about a package.
10:51 AM · Jul 18, 2025
V. James Craig Trial — "LOOK FOR A PACKAGE"
Amerine says it was highly unusual for Craig to be texting her repeatedly during work, especially while she was busy helping with an implant class. Craig asked her to monitor the office for a package delivery.
10:51 AM · Jul 18, 2025
VI. James Craig Trial — THE PACKAGE TEXTS
On March 9, 2023, Angel Amerine says James Craig repeatedly texted her to make sure the office door stayed open — even though the clinic was closed to patients that day. The reason? A package was coming.
10:52 AM · Jul 18, 2025
VII. James Craig Trial — OFFICE CLOSED, BUT DELIVERY COMING
Amerine explains the dental office wasn’t open to patients that day.Only a private implant course with outside doctors was taking place.Still, Craig was adamant she watch for a delivery.
10:53 AM · Jul 18, 2025
VIII. James Craig Trial — PEOPLE'S EXHIBITS 177–182
Prosecutors introduce text messages between Craig and Amerine.She confirms their exchanges were about this delivery — and that it stood out as odd during an otherwise quiet, private event at the office.
10:53 AM · Jul 18, 2025
Legal takeaway: Prosecutors are laying groundwork to show intent and concealment. By texting Amerine on a closed office day about a package, Craig may have been trying to control the cyanide delivery quietly. It suggests premeditation, not accident.
10:53 AM · Jul 18, 2025
X. James Craig Trial — TEXTS TURN TO ANGELA
In the admitted texts, Craig asked Amerine if the door was open, claimed he forgot his laptop, and then ignored her question about Angela’s health. She texted, “I hope she's doing good.”Craig didn’t reply just talked about the class.
11:01 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XI. James Craig Trial — THE CYANIDE PACKAGE TEXT
Friday, March 10, Craig texted:“Angel, I'm expecting a priority package... small box or padded envelope… please make sure the front door stays unlocked... let me know when it comes.”This was highly unusual, she testified.
11:01 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XII. James Craig Trial — UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR
Amerine said she never dealt with packages at the front.This delivery request, made on a day with no patients and a private course run by other doctors, stood out immediately. She never knew what the package contained.
11:01 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XIII. James Craig Trial — HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
Craig wasn’t at the office March 10 but stayed in contact.He asked, “Any mail for me?”Amerine was working with other dentists—Craig was absent but clearly managing this delivery remotely.
11:01 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XIV. James Craig Trial — JESSISPRUDENS Legal takeaway:
Prosecutors are using Amerine’s direct to suggest Craig coordinated a delivery offsite and secretive.Even without saying “cyanide,” this shows Craig took deliberate steps to control access to the package, hiding his intentions behind routine office logistics.
11:01 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XV. James Craig Trial — "NOTHING CAME TODAY"Craig texted:"I'm going to be in the area... wanted to swing by and grab that if it has already come."Amerine replied:“Nothing has arrived.”He kept pressing about the package’s location.
11:10 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XVI. James Craig Trial — MAILBOX CONFUSION
Amerine asked if the package could be in the downstairs mailbox. Craig responded he wasn’t sure but “doubtit’sregular mail.”He still hadn’t provided a tracking number.
11:10 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XVII. James Craig Trial — STAYING ONE STEP AHEADWhen Amerine asked if he wanted her to keep the back door unlocked, Craig said:“Yes, please… I’m going in the morning. It’s coming tomorrow.”His wording implied he was closely monitoring delivery—despite never naming the contents.
11:10 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XVIII. James Craig Trial — GROUP TEXT TURNAROUND On Saturday, March 11, Craig messaged multiple people asking who could let him into the office. Amerine replied she couldn’t—but offered to give him her key. He insisted on access—even on a weekend—with no patients, no class, and no real reason to be there.
11:10 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XIX. James Craig Trial — JESSISPRUDENS
Legal takeaway: Prosecutors aren’t just highlighting Craig’s behavior, they’re building a timeline of intent.Every unlocked door, every delivery update, every vague text adds to a picture of a man executing a plan while appearing normal.
XX. James Craig Trial — GROUP TEXT TO GET THE KEYSaturday morning, Craig texted a group of staff:“Can anyone come unlock the office?”Only one replied: Angel Amerine.She offered:“Do you want to come by and grab my key?”Craig accepted. Drove to her home. Took the key. Never explained what was in the package.
11:19 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXI. James Craig Trial — UNUSUAL EFFORT FOR AN UNNAMED PACKAGE
He asked to leave the back door unlocked.
He checked repeatedly if the package had come.
He went to her personal home to retrieve the key.
Yet he never once told her what the package was.
11:19 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXII. James Craig Trial — JESSISPRUDENS
Legal takeaway: The defense wants to paint Craig as a worried husband preparing for a class. But these texts show a covert urgency.He didn’t ask about his wife. He didn’t mention students.He was laser-focused on a mystery delivery, acting alone, out of hours.This builds intent, not coincidence.
11:20 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXIII. James Craig Trial — DEFENSE: “NO SECRETS HERE”On cross, the defense tried to neutralize suspicion: Did Dr. Craig ever tell you to hide the package?
— “No.”
Did he ever say not to open it?
— “No.”
Did he send a group message asking for help unlocking the office?
— “Yes.”
Their point:
Craig wasn’t being secretive. He told multiple people he needed into the office. No cloak-and-dagger moves.
11:22 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXIV. James Craig Trial — CLASS OR COVER STORY?The defense also reminded the jury:
Craig regularly taught implant classes — even internationally.
He offered Angel the job to make up hours and earn extra money.
Angela was in the hospital — Craig wasn’t teaching this session.
So, maybe, they’re arguing, he wasn’t hiding anything.
He was just handling office logistics — while his wife was critically ill.
11:24 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXV. James Craig Trial — REDIRECT: “NOT A SECRET, BUT NOT THE TRUTH”
Prosecutors pushed back on the defense’s claim that there was “no secrecy” about the package.
Q: Did Dr. Craig ever tell you the package contained potassium cyanide?
A: No, he did not.
11:31 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXVI. James Craig Trial — REDIRECT: WHAT WAS IN THE BOX?
The witness confirmed she never knew what was in the package.
Q: Did you know what was in the package?
A: No.
The supposed lack of secrecy didn’t equal disclosure.
11:31 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXVII. James Craig Trial — NO CYANIDE IN THE CLASSROOM
Q: Was potassium cyanide used in the dental implant class?
A: No.
Q: Were you ever asked to handle potassium cyanide while working for Dr. Craig?
A: No.
11:31 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXVIII. James Craig Trial — LEGAL POINT: OMISSION ≠ HONESTY
Dr. Craig texted staff about a delivery. He never said it was poison. He never said not to open it.He never warned them. Legally, omission can matter just as much as concealment.
11:32 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXIX. James Craig Trial — DETECTIVE TAKES THE STANDAurora homicide detective Molly Harris is now testifying.With over a decade in law enforcement, Det. Harris confirmed she worked extensively on the case and reviewed Google records related to the investigation.
11:37 AM · Jul 18, 2025
30. James Craig Trial — DIGITAL TRAIL EMERGES Detective Molly Harris confirms that Google records tied to Craig’s "Jimandwaffles" Gmail account were obtained via search warrant. Data included subscriber info, Google Voice logs, and texts to 3 numbers—plus time-stamped images sent between Feb 28 and Mar 14, 2023.
11:58 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXXI. James Craig Trial — GOOGLE PHOTOS EXPOSE TIMELINE Images sent from Craig’s Google Voice to one number were introduced as evidence:
• Feb 28, 2023 – 9:27 PM
• Mar 9, 2023 – 5:44 PM
• Mar 12–14, 2023 – multiple evening transmissions
Prosecution argues these texts and photos build intent before Angela's death.
11:58 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXXII. James Craig Trial — AMAZON ORDERS NEXT
After detailing Google records, Det. Harris testifies she also reviewed Amazon data linked to Craig. Prosecutors are expected to show how purchases connect to cyanide procurement and the unfolding poisoning plot.
11:58 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXXIII. James Craig Trial — SIDEBARS & STRATEGY
Court slows as multiple sidebars interrupt Det. Harris’ testimony. Judges often call these private bench conferences to resolve objections or clarify evidentiary limits without the jury hearing. It’s a sign both sides are litigating hard over admissibility and witness scope.
11:59 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXXIV. James Craig Trial — READING THE RECORD
Frequent pauses as Det. Harris silently reviews Google and Amazon exhibits. This is standard when witnesses need to confirm timestamps, message threads, or file details before answering. It buys prosecution time, but also signals how granular the digital trail really is.
11:59 AM · Jul 18, 2025
XXXV. James Craig Trial — AMAZON ACCOUNT LINKED TO ARSENIC
Det. Harris confirms that the “Jim and waffles” Gmail was also tied to a new Amazon account created Feb 27, 2023—just days before Angela’s collapse.• Name: Jim Craig• Address: Craig residence• Credit card ending in 1490• Phone: Same as Google Voice number
12:07 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XXXVI. James Craig Trial — THE ARSENIC ORDER
One item was ordered from that Amazon account:• 10 grams of arsenic metal (99.999% purity)• Purchased: Feb 27• Shipped: Feb 28 via USPS• Sent to: Craig's homeArsenic was not found in Angela’s body. But it supports a timeline of toxic substance procurement prior to the cyanide.
12:08 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XXXVII. James Craig Trial — HARD DRIVE SEIZED
Detectives seized a Dell Optiplex hard drive from exam room #9 at Summerbrook Dental during a warrant search.Initial manual review took place in a secure police conference room, captured on body-worn camera for documentation.
12:08 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XXXVIII. James Craig Trial — NO DIGITAL EXAMINER AVAILABLE
At the time of seizure, Aurora PD’s only forensic examiner, Dave Lee, was unavailable—working Mon–Thu and on vacation.The manual search was done without him, showing the department’s urgency despite staffing limitations.
12:08 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XXXIX. James Craig Trial — SECRET SERVICE DELAY
When detectives couldn’t access Craig’s dental office computer, they reached out to the U.S. Secret Service.The response? “We’ll get to it in two weeks.”Meanwhile, Craig was still free in the community, and investigators didn’t know if toxic substances were still unsecured.
12:13 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XL. James Craig Trial — CYANIDE EMAILS IN PLAIN VIEW
Detectives manually searched Craig’s dental PC without a password.On screen: the Jim and Waffles Gmail inbox, automatically logged in.Visible senders included:• Karen Kane• ADUQ (a bioscience company)• Midland Scientific — the potassium cyanide vendor
12:13 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XLI. James Craig Trial — ADU BIOSCIENCE INVOICE FOUND
During that same manual search, an invoice from ADU Bioscience was located in the inbox.This confirms the presence of purchase documents tied to chemical suppliers—right inside Craig’s unlocked account.
12:13 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XLII. James Craig Trial — JURY RECESS ANNOUNCED
Judge called a 20-minute morning recess at 10:12 AM. Jurors were reminded:• No discussions• No independent research• No final opinions The court will resume at 10:35 AM with continued testimony from Detective Harris on digital and chemical evidence.
12:14 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XLIII. James Craig Trial — DEFENSE OBJECTS TO DOCUMENT TESTIMONY
The defense strongly objects to any testimony based on a document not yet admitted into evidence.They argue: • Reading the date, address, or sender is hearsay• Witness lacks personal knowledge• Foundation is insufficient without corroboration
12:46 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XLIV. James Craig Trial — WITNESS CHALLENGE OUTSIDE JURY PRESENCE?
The defense proposes the witness be examined outside the jury’s presence so the court can evaluate:• Who created the document• Whether it’s computer-generated or not• If it qualifies as a party-opponent statementWithout this, they say any admission would be speculative.
12:46 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XLV. James Craig Trial — THE SCAM EMAIL ANALOGY
Defense draws an analogy:“If I get an email from 470 with my name and address saying I owe money—It could be a scam. We don’t know.”They argue this document could be the same.No provenance, no authentication—no foundation.
12:46 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XLVI. James Craig Trial — COURT SUGGESTS LIMITED STIPULATION
To expedite foundation review, the judge suggests a stipulation on content only, not authorship.The court offers:• Review the document’s visible info (address, date, sender)• Then rule on admissibility• Avoid reading it aloud without foundation
12:46 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XLVII. James Craig Trial — DETECTIVE RETURNS, JURY TO BE SEATED
Court prepares to bring the jury back in.The detective is told to resume the stand, but prosecutor Morrow is granted permission to ask leading questions to avoid unintentional disclosures.Defense agrees, citing concern for prejudicial phrasing.
12:59 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XLVIII. James Craig Trial — COURT PROTECTS RECORD
Judge reminds both parties:• Witness is familiar with the document• Leading questions are allowed to minimize risk of hearsay slip-ups• Exhibit 126 is in play, but the court wants clarity on foundational limitsJury is then brought back in.
12:59 PM · Jul 18, 2025
XLIX. James Craig Trial — THE INVOICE THREAD
Detective Harris is back on the stand.Prosecutor walks her through Exhibit 126, a series of emails.One email near the bottom has the same date and subject line as Exhibit 176 — an invoice.Defense objects to speculation. Court allows questioning to proceed narrowly.
1:06 PM · Jul 18, 2025
L. James Craig Trial — EMAILS & ORDER HISTORY LINKED
Exhibit 176 is confirmed to be an invoice.
It includes:
• A name
• A shipping address
• An invoice date
• A payment method
All of this matches a corresponding email from the "JimandWaffles" Gmail account.
1:06 PM · Jul 18, 2025
LI. James Craig Trial — ADU CORRESPONDENCE REVEALEDExhibit 175:
An email thread between JimandWaffles and the vendor listed on the invoice (Exhibit 176).
Earliest email (bottom of page) shows:
• Order number matches invoice
• Timestamp aligns with the invoice date
• Subject matter is consistent throughout
The back-and-forth shows ongoing discussion about the same product.
Update:Before the trial broke for lunch, defense attorneys raised concerns about a juror they believed was falling asleep during testimony. The attorney said the person’s head was leaning forward and appeared to be sleeping. The judge said she would address the issue. We were supposed to restart at 12:50. It is now 1:13 p.m. But we have not been let back into the courtroom. We are not sure what is causing the delay. I did see the jury walking back into the courthouse at 12:40.
Craig is going down. The state has built a solid case against him. JMO
Didn’t an employee state that Craig did not have his own office?
I go to a dental clinic where the husband and wife are dental partners and they both have private offices,
Well that means that James likely lived beyond his means. Didn't I hear that he went to Vegas? And he apparently had some women on the side. That all costs money.Didn’t an employee state that Craig did not have his own office?
I go to a dental clinic where the husband and wife are dental partners and they both have private offices,
Ya know, I thought I heard the prosecution say this in their opening statement, but I didn’t include it in my notes because I thought surely I misheard something.Text from JC to his mistress Karin Cain, 6th March 2023, when Angela was in the hospital -
"Just for the record, I will never drug you. I mean, in case that was something you were ever worried about."
timestamp 26.23 in opening statement
“You (James) have been having an affair. That’s why it freaks you out to give me your phone,” Angela said.
“None of that stuff you said is not actually happening. I hope things keep getting better and better after Christmas,” Craig James said
“Everything is not OK. We are not OK,” Angela responded.
“I’m sorry I did this to you” James said.
“I wish I believed that,” Angela said.