Testimony in Dr. James Craig’s Murder Trial

The second day of Dr. James Craig’s murder trial featured significant testimony from Caitlin Romero, who served as an office manager for Sunny Book’s dental practice in Aurora, Colorado. She disclosed that Craig had turned down an early attempt by his wife, Angela, to overcome her addiction.

Romero was present at the dental office in 2023 during days when Craig allegedly administered a lethal mix of cyanide and the eye care chemical tetrahydrozoline in her protein shake. She recounted to the court and to district attorney Ryan Brackley an unusual encounter on March 6. Craig arrived late that day and explained that he and Angela had been up early, apologizing for feeling unwell after receiving a post-exercise protein shake from her.

Romero recalled Craig’s reaction to the shake, where he speculated, perhaps half-jokingly, that he might have added “too much protein.” Later that same day, he took Angela to the emergency room. Before they left, Angela texted Romero expressing suspicions of being “drugged.” Angela was discharged the same day without a diagnosis.

Craig’s later return to the office at 5:30 PM was out of character, as the practice typically ended at 4 PM. When Romero left, she noticed him sitting alone in a dark exam room using a different computer. When she inquired about it, Craig mentioned needing some quiet time after a stressful day.

Romero also recalled receiving a text from Craig warning her about a personal package arriving at the office, instructing her not to open it. This was a first for her and raised some eyebrows.

Unearthly Foreboding

Angela returned to the hospital on March 9 with similar symptoms as before and remained hospitalized until March 14. On that day, Craig reportedly told Romero that he doubted Angela would survive the night—a chilling statement that could suggest his intentions in court, according to defense attorney Kelly Heiman.

Heiman noted that such predictions could cast doubt on Craig’s mental state and intent during the alleged crime. The defense chose not to challenge Romero’s descriptions, though they certainly could have.

Evidence of a Lethal Intent?

On March 13, a package arrived, purportedly containing potassium cyanide, which Romero identified based on a paper invoice she found inside. By March 15, Angela had been readmitted to the hospital.

From the office, Craig said he needed to leave because of his wife’s condition. Romero shared her suspicions and even Googled symptoms of cyanide poisoning that day.

Cross-Examination Developments

During cross-examination, defense attorney Lisa Fein Moses highlighted that while Romero acknowledged the package’s contents, she hadn’t opened it to verify. Romero also stated that her interactions with Craig appeared normal on the evening of March 6.

Moses scrutinized Romero’s relationship with Craig, establishing that it was more emotionally intimate than previously disclosed. This prompted questions about why Romero hadn’t mentioned this connection to authorities during the investigation.

Conclusion

The trial remains intense, with critical witnesses like Romero playing pivotal roles in the narrative. As the proceedings continue, the implications of the testimony will undoubtedly shape the outcome.