The trial of James Craig, an Aurora dentist accused of poisoning his wife to death, has been delayed after a key development.
His defense attorney, Harvey Steinberg, withdrew from the case just before jury selection was set to begin.
A hearing to appoint new counsel has been scheduled for December 16, 2024, delaying the start of the trial.
Defense Counsel Withdraws, Trial Delayed
James Craig's murder trial, which was supposed to begin on November 21, 2024, has been postponed as a result of his defense attorney's abrupt resignation.
Harvey Steinberg, who had been representing Craig, stated that he was withdrawing from the lawsuit due to a professional conflict.
According to the lawyer, Craig's insistence on what he considered to be fraudulent or illegal behavior was the root of the professional dispute.
In light of this unexpected development, the court has rescheduled the trial and has scheduled a hearing for December 16, 2024, to appoint new counsel for Craig.
This postponement has left the murder case in limbo, with no clear schedule for when the trial will begin.
The postponement has frustrated those following the case, since it was expected to shed light on the disturbing events surrounding Angela Craig's murder.
Alleged Poisoning of Angela Craig
Angela Craig tragically died on March 18, 2023, from poisoning caused by cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a substance found in eye drops.
Authorities believe that her husband, James Craig, poisoned her through protein shakes, first using arsenic and later cyanide.
Despite her initial recovery after the first poisoning attempt, Angela Craig eventually died after being poisoned a second time.
Investigators found evidence that James Craig had been researching poisons online in the weeks before his wife’s death.
Court documents reveal that he purchased arsenic and cyanide, and he even searched for information on poisons that wouldn’t be detectable in an autopsy.
These actions have led to serious charges against him, including first-degree murder.
Evidence of Affair and Financial Strain
Further investigation into James Craig's personal life disclosed that he had been engaging in an extramarital affair while his wife was hospitalized.
Craig's claimed actions may have been motivated by this affair, as well as his financial problems.
The court documents also indicate that Craig had been carrying online research to gather information on the methods of poisoning and the methods of committing murder without suspicion.
Additionally, detectives determined that Craig attempted to conceal his crime.
He allegedly requested family members, including his daughter, to assist conceal evidence of the poisoning.
He is now facing more charges as a result of these efforts to prevent the administration of justice.
Legal Challenges and Upcoming Court Dates
James Craig is currently facing a number of severe charges, such as solicitation for criminal tampering, tampering with evidence, and first-degree murder.
Craig's trial was delayed due to the withdrawal of his defense attorney, leaving him without legal representation.
This setback has complicated an already high-profile case.
James Craig is scheduled to appear in court on December 16, 2024, at which time it is anticipated that a new attorney will be appointed.
It is unknown when the trial will take place, but the continual legal obstacles assure that the matter will continue to dominate headlines.
