(March 19, 2023) — An Aurora dentist was arrested early this morning on murder charges in the poisoning death of his wife.
James Toliver Craig, 45, was arrested early Sunday morning by patrol officers and the Aurora Police Department’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit. He was booked about 2 a.m. into the jail on charges of first-degree murder.
The charges stem from about 8:45 p.m. Wednesday when Craig drove his wife, 43, to a local hospital because she was complaining of severe headaches and dizziness. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the wife’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and she was placed on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. She was declared medically brain dead a short time later.
Major Crimes Homicide Unit detectives launched an intensive investigation into the suspicious death. The investigation revealed the victim was poisoned. A warrant for first-degree murder was obtained early Sunday morning shortly after doctors made the decision to take the victim off life support.
“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,” said Division Chief Mark Hildebrand. “It was quickly discovered this was in fact a heinous, complex and calculated murder. I am very proud of our Major Crimes Homicide Unit’s hard work in solving this case and pursuing justice for the victim.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with any information about the case is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
