ABC’s 20/20 returns with a powerful two-hour special titled “21 Days to Murder”, airing Friday, September 19, 2025. The episode investigates the chilling murder of Angela Craig, a devoted mother of six from Aurora, Colorado, who was killed by her husband, Dr. James Craig, a respected local dentist. Through exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and in-depth reporting from John Quiñones, the broadcast reveals the calculated deception, betrayal, and manipulation that culminated in a tragic death—and a stunning conviction.
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A Picture-Perfect Marriage Shattered
Angela and James Craig were married for 23 years. To friends and neighbors, they appeared to be a successful, stable couple raising a large family. Angela was known as kind, supportive, and deeply involved in her community. James, a dentist with his own practice, was seen as a provider and family man.
Behind closed doors, however, the marriage was unraveling. James had a history of infidelity, and Angela’s family later shared that she struggled to rebuild trust after repeated betrayals. Despite this, she remained committed to her family and had not given up on the relationship. But in early March 2023, she began experiencing unexplained symptoms—dizziness, nausea, and severe headaches—that soon became life-threatening.
The Fatal Protein Shakes
Angela Craig’s illness unfolded over three separate hospital visits between March 6 and March 18, 2023. Each time, she reported worsening symptoms. She mentioned feeling “drugged” and suspected something was wrong after consuming protein shakes prepared by James. On March 15, she was hospitalized a third time and soon suffered a seizure. She never regained consciousness and was declared brain dead three days later.
Toxicology reports later confirmed she had been poisoned with cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, the latter a compound found in over-the-counter eye drops. Arsenic was also found in her system. The combination was lethal. As the investigation deepened, detectives began to piece together a disturbing web of deceit involving digital footprints, secret purchases, and deliberate cover-ups.
The Investigation Unfolds
Suspicion first arose from within Dr. Craig’s own office. A staff member noticed unusual behavior—Craig had accessed an exam room computer in the dark late at night, and later warned staff not to open a package that had been delivered. When the package was accidentally opened, it was found to contain potassium cyanide, raising immediate alarm.
Office manager Caitlin Romero connected the dots between Angela’s symptoms and the contents of the package. Concerned, she tipped off Craig’s business partner, who in turn alerted hospital staff during a visit. A mandatory report was filed with police, launching a full-scale investigation.
Authorities discovered internet searches from Craig’s office about undetectable poisons, how to mimic heart attacks, and specific dosages of lethal substances. Purchases were traced back to his email and credit card accounts, all timed precisely with Angela’s hospitalizations. These digital breadcrumbs formed a damning timeline of premeditation.
The Secret Affair and Motive
At the center of James Craig’s motive was an extramarital affair with Dr. Karin Cain, a Texas-based orthodontist. The two had been romantically involved for just a few weeks, but Craig had lied to Cain, claiming he was in the middle of a divorce and living alone.
Cain later told ABC News that she had no idea Angela was still in the picture and would have ended the relationship if she had known the truth. While Angela lay in the hospital fighting for her life, Craig was exchanging flirtatious emails and arranging travel with Cain.
Prosecutors argued that Craig wanted to be free of his marriage without the stigma of divorce. Financial stress, life insurance payouts, and the pursuit of a new life with Cain were presented as additional motives. The murder was not impulsive—it was coldly calculated.
A Trial Marked by Lies and Desperation
In July 2025, James Craig stood trial in Arapahoe County, Colorado. The evidence against him was vast: over 10,000 pages of documents, two terabytes of digital data, and testimony from 48 witnesses. Prosecutors highlighted his online purchases, messages to his wife, and even a letter he wrote in jail soliciting a hit on the lead detective in the case.
Craig’s defense claimed Angela had taken her own life, citing marital troubles and suggesting she may have ingested the poisons voluntarily. But this theory was rejected by the jury, particularly after hearing impact statements from Angela’s siblings and children, who described her as optimistic, dedicated to her family, and never suicidal.
The defense also attempted to undermine the credibility of jailhouse informants who testified that Craig had tried to arrange perjury, destroy evidence, and tamper with the investigation from behind bars.
Verdict and Sentencing
On July 30, 2025, after two days of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict: James Craig was guilty of first-degree murder and five additional charges including solicitation to commit murder, tampering with evidence, and attempting to influence witnesses. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, with an additional 33 years for the related offenses.
Judge Shay Whitaker described Craig’s actions as “a path of destruction as wide as a tornado.” Angela’s children and family members gave emotional impact statements, with one daughter calling her father “the villain” in her life. Craig cried during some of these statements but declined to speak before sentencing.
Aftermath and Legacy
Angela Craig’s murder shocked the nation not only for its brutality but for the deeply personal betrayal it represented. Her family has expressed relief at the outcome of the trial but continues to grieve the loss of a loving mother, sister, and friend.
Angela’s story is a tragic reminder of how even seemingly stable relationships can mask profound dysfunction and danger. 20/20’s “21 Days to Murder” shines a spotlight on her life, her death, and the pursuit of justice that followed. The case has now joined a growing list of high-profile domestic murders that reveal the dark extremes of manipulation and deceit.
The full episode airs Friday, September 19, 2025, at 9:01 p.m. EDT on ABC, and is available to stream the following day on Hulu.