The Colorado dentist accused of lacing his wife's protein shakes with arsenic and cyanide, killing her, suffered a major case setback this week with the withdrawal of his defense attorney.
Harvey Steinberg, the attorney for James Craig, 46, withdrew Thursday – the same day jury selection was to begin for his murder trial – citing a professional conflict, according to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
Steinberg alleged Craig was pressuring him to perform his duties in a "criminal or fraudulent" manner and that Craig was persisting he engage in actions he "considers repugnant or... has a fundamental disagreement (with)," the DA's office said, according to the Denver Post.
Arapahoe County District Court Judge Darren Vahle granted Steinberg's last-minute request, forcing the trial to be put on hold until Dec. 16, giving Craig time to retain a replacement attorney.
A new trial date has not been set.
Craig is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the poisoning death of his wife, Angela Craig, with whom he shared six children.
He pleaded not guilty.
In March 2023, Craig drove Angela to the hospital after she claimed she was experiencing headaches and dizziness. Angela was admitted and her condition worsened, according to police. She was placed on a ventilator and declared medically brain dead, shortly after. She was subsequently taken off life support.
Detectives deemed her death suspicious and launched an investigation, which revealed Angela ingested poisonous protein shakes allegedly prepared by her husband.
Investigators alleged he ordered arsenic and cyanide and had the chemicals delivered to his dental office, according to CBS News.
At the time of Angela's death, Craig was allegedly having an affair with a Texas orthodontist who claimed she had no idea he was married.
