Jury selection began on Monday for the significant trial of James Craig, a local dentist accused of lacing his wife’s protein shakes with poison while engaging in a secretive affair and planning to start anew without her.

James Toliver Craig, 47, faces charges of first-degree murder after deliberation following the March 2023 death of his wife, Angela Craig, a 43-year-old mother of six. Her death was attributed to fatal amounts of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline.

Defense attorney Kelly Hyman outlined the strategic battlegrounds she expects to see in the courtroom as Craig’s murder trial unfolds.

“Chain-of-custody documentation and lab accreditation standards here in Colorado,” she said, “will be scrutinized at every turn.”

James Toliver Craig is pictured in a mugshot provided by the Aurora Police Department. (Aurora Police Department)

Hyman also addressed how media coverage before the trial could influence plea negotiations. She noted that prosecutors might take a firmer stance to avoid showing weakness in public perception, while defendants might use potential venue changes or jury sequestration as leverage to negotiate more favorable terms.

“In situations like this,” she explained, “the real pressure point comes when both sides realize the jury pool may already be tainted by media coverage.”

Hyman said that as jury selection kicks off, voir dire must dig deeper and probe prospective jurors on how they consume news and their personal attitudes toward law enforcement. 

“You can’t assume someone who says they’re unbiased hasn’t seen a viral headline or formed an opinion,” she said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Lisa Fine Moses for comment.