XCVII. James Craig Trial — COURT RESUMES
The jury returns from lunch. With medical testimony behind them, the next phase of the state’s case begins. All eyes shift to what comes next.
3:14 PM · Jul 21, 2025
XCVIII. James Craig Trial — TOXICOLOGY DR TAKES THE STAND
Dr. Carla Walker, director of toxicology at LabCorp’s MedTox lab, takes the stand. She’s held that role for over a decade and oversees all toxicology testing.
XCIX. James Craig Trial — EXPERT IN TOXINS
Walker holds a doctorate in pharmacy and board certification in clinical toxicological chemistry. The court qualified her as an expert in toxicology over defense objection.
C. James Craig Trial — THE BLOOD TESTS
MedTox received two blood samples labeled as Angela Craig’s. Both were tested for cyanide using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry — a highly sensitive method.
CI. James Craig Trial — EVERY STEP DOCUMENTED
Walker explained their process: each sample gets a unique ID, tested by trained analysts, reviewed by a second analyst, then certified by a third-party scientist.
CII. James Craig Trial — RESULTS ARE RECHECKED
Though Walker wasn’t the certifying scientist, she supervises the team. She later personally reviewed the data package and confirmed the results were accurate.
CIII. James Craig Trial — QUALITY CONTROLS PASSED
Every sample is run alongside calibration standards and quality control samples. If a batch doesn’t meet strict thresholds, it’s rejected. Angela’s samples passed.
CIV. James Craig Trial — “I SIGN OFF ON ALL OF IT”
Walker confirmed the final lab reports bear her name. She stands by the result and confirmed it during litigation review. The cyanide finding is not a lab error.
CV. James Craig Trial — CYANIDE CONFIRMED
Walker confirms she personally reviewed the raw data and calibration controls. The cyanide test passed all quality checks. No errors. No anomalies.
CVI. James Craig Trial — NO OUTSIDE PROFICIENCY FOR CYANIDE
Since cyanide testing isn’t covered by external proficiency programs, MedTox uses blinded internal tests to ensure reliability. Walker confirmed those were used here.
CVII. James Craig Trial — BLOOD SAMPLE ID LOCKED IN
Exhibit 119 covers Angela Craig’s blood sample. MedTox assigned it accession number U5276031. The sample came with identifying info: full name, DOB, gender, and collection timestamp.Defense objects to this exhibit
CVIII. James Craig Trial — FINAL REPORT ENTERED
Walker confirmed Exhibit 119 is a MedTox lab report, generated in the ordinary course of business, detailing cyanide levels in Angela Craig’s blood. The judge overruled defense objections and admitted it.
CIX. James Craig Trial — LETHAL LEVEL FOUND
Dr. Walker confirmed Angela Craig’s blood tested at 5.865 mg/L of cyanide. MedTox classifies anything above 3.0 mg/L as “associated with death.” Angela’s level was nearly double.
CXII. James Craig Trial — SYSTEM STARVED OF OXYGEN
Walker told the jury: cyanide doesn’t remove oxygen — it blocks the body from using it. The cells shut down even though oxygen is present.
CXIII. James Craig Trial — CROSS: “YOU DIDN’T SEE IT”
Defense pushes: Dr. Walker didn’t witness the cyanide testing herself. She admits she didn’t “stand over” the analysts or directly supervise the blood tests.
CXIV. James Craig Trial — STANDARD LAB PRACTICE
Walker stood firm: it’s standard that analysts work independently using protocols she approved. Supervisors observe periodically — but not every test is watched.
CXVI. James Craig Trial — THE LIMITS OF THE TEST
Walker confirmed what the report does not show:
• Not how the cyanide entered Angela’s system
• Not when it was administered
CXVII. James Craig Trial — BLOOD TAKEN MARCH 15
A juror asked when Angela Craig’s blood was drawn. Dr. Walker confirmed: both cyanide-positive samples were collected on March 15, 2023 — the day of her collapse.
CXVIII. James Craig Trial — WITNESS EXCUSED
With no further questions from either side, Dr. Carla Walker was excused. Her testimony left jurors with a stark fact: Angela Craig had cyanide in her blood — well above fatal levels.
3:52 PM · Jul 21, 2025
