'I Feel Drugged' – Her Last Text Before the Shocking Truth About Her Husband Was Revealed

In the quiet suburbs of Aurora, Colorado, the Craig family appeared to have it all. James, a successful dentist, and Angela, his devoted wife, were raising six children in what seemed like picture-perfect domestic bliss. They were active in their community, respected by neighbors, and living the American dream.

But appearances can be deceiving. Behind closed doors, a sinister plot was unfolding – one that would end with a loving mother dead and her husband behind bars for murder.

The First Signs of Trouble

It began in March 2023 when Angela Craig started experiencing concerning symptoms – dizziness, weakness, and blurred vision. Like many of us would, she initially brushed these off as a minor bug or fatigue. But these seemingly innocuous symptoms were actually the first signs of something far more sinister.

On March 6th, Angela's condition worsened enough that she went to the emergency room. Doctors ran tests but couldn't pinpoint what was wrong. They sent her home, likely assuming it was something that would pass with rest.

Just 24 hours later, Angela's symptoms returned with alarming intensity. This time, she was rushed to Parker Adventist Hospital. Again, medical professionals were baffled by her rapidly declining health.

A Husband's Strange Behavior

While Angela struggled through her mysterious illness, her husband James was sending her loving text messages, playing the part of the concerned spouse. He continued his daily routine, which included making her protein shakes each morning – a seemingly thoughtful gesture that would later take on a far darker meaning.

What nobody knew at the time was that James Craig was living a double life. He had recently attended a dental conference in Las Vegas where he met an orthodontist named Karen Kaine. The two began an affair, with James telling Karen he was separated from Angela and living in an apartment – a complete fabrication.

The Package That Broke the Case

The case broke wide open with a startling discovery. A package arrived at James's dental office addressed to him with a disturbing label: "potassium cyanide." This wasn't something any legitimate dental practice would ever order or use.

James's business partner, Ryan Redfern, found the package and immediately recognized something was terribly wrong. In what would prove to be a crucial moment, Ryan contacted hospital staff where Angela was being treated, expressing concerns that James might be involved in his wife's illness.

James's reaction was telling. Instead of cooperating, he sent Ryan panicked text messages begging him not to talk to the police, saying: "You will do more damage than good to my family by continuing to insert yourself into this."

A Final Hospital Visit

On March 15th, Angela was rushed to University Hospital in worse condition than ever before. Just days later, on March 18th, she passed away. Hours after her death, police arrested James Craig and charged him with first-degree murder.

The Evidence Mounts

As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a trail of damning evidence:

• Angela's autopsy revealed lethal levels of cyanide in her system
• Traces of tetrahydrozoline (a chemical found in eye drops) and arsenic were also present
• James had created a secret email account under the name "jimnwaffles" which he used to research poisons and how to harm someone without detection
• Financial records showed he had purchased arsenic online, delivered directly to his mailbox
• The dental practice was struggling financially, providing a potential motive involving Angela's life insurance

A Web of Motives

Prosecutors built a case around multiple motives:

• The affair: James wanted to start a new life with Karen Kaine
• Financial troubles: His dental practice was struggling, and Angela's life insurance would provide relief
• A calculated exit: Rather than face divorce and its consequences, James sought a permanent solution

The Defense's Counter-Narrative

James's defense team worked to craft an alternative explanation. They claimed his interest in poisons stemmed not from murderous intent but from his own battles with depression and suicidal thoughts. They pointed to a previous incident where James had claimed to drug Angela to prevent her from interfering with his suicide attempt.

They highlighted a text exchange where Angela had written to James, "I feel drugged," and his response: "Given our history, I know that must be triggering. Just for the record, I didn't drug you."

The defense also noted that no trace of poison was ever found in the protein shakes or protein powder from the Craig household.

Obstruction from Behind Bars

Perhaps most damning was James's behavior after his arrest. Prosecutors presented evidence that he had attempted to hire a hitman to kill the detective investigating his case while he was behind bars. He also allegedly tried to get fellow inmates to create fake evidence to support his claims of innocence.

These desperate attempts to obstruct justice painted the picture of a man determined to escape accountability at any cost.

The Verdict and Aftermath

After weighing all the evidence, the jury sided with the prosecution. James Craig was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The verdict brought legal closure, but for Angela's six children, the trauma continues. They not only lost their mother to a violent crime but must also grapple with the knowledge that their father was responsible.

The case sent shockwaves through Aurora, shattering the community's sense of security and forcing many to question how well they really know their neighbors – or even their spouses.

Digital Evidence and Modern Murder

The Craig case highlights the growing importance of digital evidence in criminal investigations. James's secret email account, his online searches about poisons, and the digital trail of his purchases played crucial roles in securing his conviction.

Today's murderers leave digital footprints that can be just as damning as physical evidence. Every search query, every purchase, and every message can become evidence of premeditation and intent.

Red Flags and Warning Signs

Looking back, there were subtle warning signs in the Craig household:

• James's controlling behavior, particularly around food preparation
• His secret communications and hidden accounts
• The couple's complicated history, including James's previous mention of drugging Angela
• Financial struggles that added pressure to their relationship

Could This Happen to Anyone?

What makes this case particularly chilling is how ordinary the Craig family appeared. They weren't obvious outliers or people anyone would suspect of harboring such dark secrets.

It raises uncomfortable questions about how well we truly know those closest to us and whether we would recognize the warning signs if someone in our lives began plotting something sinister.

The Broader Impact

The James Craig case has had lasting effects beyond the immediate family:

• It sparked conversations about domestic violence that doesn't fit the typical profile
• It highlighted the dangers of poisoning, which can be difficult to detect
• It demonstrated how technology has transformed criminal investigations
• It reminded communities that danger can lurk behind seemingly perfect facades

A Community Forever Changed

For the residents of Aurora, Colorado, the case serves as a somber reminder that evil can hide in plain sight. The dental office where James once treated patients now stands as a grim landmark. The school where the Craig children once played now holds memories of a family torn apart by betrayal.

Yet amidst the tragedy, there were also moments of courage – like Ryan Redfern's decision to speak up when he found the suspicious package, potentially saving others from harm.

Final Thoughts

The James Craig murder case is more than just another true crime story. It's a stark reminder of the complexities of human nature and the darkness that can lurk behind seemingly perfect lives.

As the community continues to heal, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of recognizing warning signs and speaking up when something doesn't feel right. It's also a powerful example of how justice can prevail, even in the face of elaborate deception.

For Angela's six children, no verdict can undo their loss. Their journey forward is a testament to human resilience in the face of unimaginable betrayal.