Dateline NBC’s episode “Secrets of Exam Room 9” examines a chilling case out of Aurora, Colorado, that stunned the community and made national headlines. Reporter Andrea Canning leads the investigation into the calculated murder of Angela Craig, a mother of six who fell ill under mysterious circumstances in March 2023. Her husband, respected dentist James Craig, was ultimately convicted of killing her by poisoning her protein shakes with cyanide and eye-drop chemicals.
This hour-long special takes viewers into the courtroom, the family home, and the dental office where prosecutors say a quiet but deadly plan unfolded. With exclusive interviews, never-before-seen evidence, and the full arc of the investigation and trial, Dateline delivers a thorough account of a betrayal that led to murder.
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Angela Craig’s Mysterious Illness
Angela Craig was known as a vibrant, health-conscious woman with a passion for family and fitness. In early March 2023, she began experiencing sudden and unexplained symptoms: dizziness, fatigue, and confusion. After drinking protein shakes prepared by her husband, she felt “drugged” and repeatedly texted family members describing odd sensations.
Her symptoms persisted for nearly two weeks, during which she made multiple trips to hospitals and an urgent care center. Despite undergoing CT scans, MRIs, and bloodwork, doctors couldn’t determine the cause. On March 15, she suffered a massive seizure and was placed on life support. She was declared brain-dead on March 18.
Angela’s final days were marked by confusion and distress. She reportedly told her sister-in-law, “Why do I hurt?”—a haunting question that would later guide investigators toward the truth behind her suffering.
Suspicion Falls on James Craig
James Craig, Angela’s husband of over two decades, was a practicing dentist and father of six. To outsiders, the couple appeared stable, but investigators would soon uncover cracks beneath the surface. Craig had a history of extramarital affairs, financial instability, and secretive behavior. Angela’s siblings testified that she had previously expressed fears about her husband’s behavior, including suspicions that he had tried to drug her years earlier.
Evidence began to mount against Craig in the days after Angela’s death. Investigators discovered he had ordered potassium cyanide and oleandrin online, both highly lethal substances with no legitimate medical or dental use. A computer in Exam Room 9 at his dental practice revealed troubling Google searches: “Is arsenic detectable in autopsy?” and “How to make a murder look like a heart attack.”
Forensic Evidence and the Final Dose
Toxicology tests on Angela’s blood confirmed high levels of arsenic, cyanide, and tetrahydrozoline—the latter commonly found in over-the-counter eye drops. The combination proved fatal, and medical professionals determined there had likely been more than one exposure.
Investigators later concluded that Craig had tampered with a capsule of clindamycin, an antibiotic Angela was prescribed for a sinus infection. Prosecutors alleged he emptied it and refilled it with cyanide before asking his sister-in-law to administer it. Within 30 minutes, Angela was incapacitated again, slumped over in bed, and unable to hold herself upright.
By the time she arrived at the hospital, Angela was experiencing rapid neurological decline. Nurses testified that she was so ill they never left her side during treatment. Her death marked the end of a complex poisoning scheme that had played out slowly and methodically, masked as medical mystery.
Family Secrets and a Marriage in Collapse
During the trial, prosecutors painted a picture of a man who wanted out of his marriage but didn’t want the stigma of divorce. They alleged that Craig had been cheating on Angela for most of their 23-year marriage and had recently begun a new affair. He was also in financial turmoil, facing possible bankruptcy, and reportedly hoped to benefit from Angela’s death both emotionally and financially.
Text messages presented during the trial showed Angela expressing confusion and fear about her symptoms. In contrast, Craig presented himself as a concerned husband, even visiting the hospital multiple times while continuing to administer the poisons. Testimony also revealed he tried to obstruct justice while in jail, including asking one of his daughters to fabricate evidence and attempting to solicit the murder of a detective involved in the case.
The trial offered a glimpse into the complex dynamics within the Craig household, including reports of James Craig’s gambling losses, pornography addiction, and manipulative behavior. Angela’s family stood united in court, denouncing his actions and remembering Angela as a loving mother, sister, and friend.
The Verdict and Sentencing
After a two-week trial, the Arapahoe County jury deliberated for two days before finding James Craig guilty of first-degree murder and five other felony counts, including solicitation to commit murder, perjury, and tampering with evidence. He was acquitted on one charge—manslaughter—but the rest carried enough weight to guarantee a life sentence.
On July 30, 2025, Judge Shay Whitaker sentenced Craig to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 33 years for the other convictions. In her remarks, she described the case as one of deep devastation, calling Craig’s actions “a path of destruction as wide as a tornado.”
Angela’s family delivered victim impact statements that honored her memory and condemned Craig’s betrayal. Her children rejected the defense’s claims that Angela died by suicide, emphasizing their mother’s strength and devotion despite her distress over her health.
A Case That Shocked the Nation
The murder of Angela Craig drew widespread attention not just because of its shocking method, but because it unfolded within the context of a seemingly ordinary suburban family. The use of digital forensics, toxicology reports, and old-fashioned detective work helped authorities unravel a calculated and cruel crime.
“Secrets of Exam Room 9” lays bare the reality behind the headlines. It is a case that underscores how appearances can mask manipulation and how justice, even when delayed, can be achieved through persistent investigation and family resilience.
Dateline NBC airs the full story on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10/9c. The episode will also be available for streaming the next day on Peacock.