Week of March 23, 2023
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DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
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INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 22
VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 17
SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS In this week’s paper!
Area dentist suspected in wife’s alleged murder Parker Hospital treated victim BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
An investigation into a husband suspected of recently killing his wife has led detectives to look into a twoweek period where Angela Craig, 43, was admitted to Parker Adventist Hospital and released twice before
going to University Hospital on March 15 where she later died. On March 20, James Craig, 45, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder of the mother of six children. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 23 to see if the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s office will file official charges. According to investigation documents released by the Aurora Police Department, Craig allegedly secured the purchase of potassium cyanide at his dental office, Summerbrook
Dental Group. According to statement’s made by office staff, Craig allegedly purchased the cyanide on a computer that he usually didn’t use in the office. After ordering the package, he allegedly told one member of the office that he was expecting a package and not to open it. However, the package was delivered to another staff member and it was opened. Staff members saw the package had the cyanide, according to investigation documents.
Residents voice concern BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
SEE APARTMENTS, P8
SEE HOMICIDE, P9
Laydon, Thomas attempt civility
Role of ‘taxpayer dollars’ in plan for apartments is complicated As news spread about a proposed affordable housing development near Parker — yet another flashpoint in the ongoing battle against new apartment complexes in the Denver suburbs — many area residents expressed concern about its funding. “70% of the development cost will be absorbed by Douglas County taxpayers,” one resident wrote to the county. That’s just one complaint in a long list of comments the county compiled that objected to the development’s funding. Said another: “We do not appreciate subsidizing 60 to 70% of the cost of that development after we have paid over 800,000 for our home.” “Please hear the voices of the
On March 6, Angela Craig started complaining of symptoms to her husband through text messages, saying she had a headache and felt dizzy. According to one message, Angela said she felt like she had been drugged. As detectives worked to interview friends and family, the police report states that Angela’s sister told them the couple had a tumultuous relationship over the years, where Craig
Two commissioners discuss grievances with assistance from mediator BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A sign stands to give notice of the public hearings that the county Planning Commission and county commissioners held regarding rezoning the land where a proposed apartment complex may be built in The Pinery area just south of the Town of Parker. PHOTOS BY ELLIS ARNOLD The sign still stood in the area Feb. 28.
T BEFSTHE O T S E B
2023
In a near about-face compared to just six days prior, two of Douglas County’s elected leaders engaged in a conversation to try burying the hatchet after a long climate of animosity. The public doesn’t care whether Commissioner Abe Laydon is right or Commissioner Lora Thomas is right, Laydon said. “They just see a board that is SEE CIVILITY, P6
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