A Colorado lawyer, Robert Werking, has withdrawn from representing a dentist accused of fatally poisoning his wife after being arrested for allegedly setting his own house on fire.
The bizarre incident occurred just before midnight on June 28, when Werking was found sitting on his porch while his home burned, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and South Metro Fire Rescue.
The Arson and Police Response
When deputies arrived at the scene of the fire on Caley, they found Werking calmly sitting outside, despite the flames behind him.
Authorities discovered traces of an incendiary accelerant, indicating that the fire may have been intentionally started. The details surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and Werking has been charged with fourth-degree arson.
Werking’s arrest is particularly notable as it occurred just days before the trial of his client, James Craig, was scheduled to begin. The release of further details from the arrest affidavit has been delayed due to concerns it could jeopardize Craig’s upcoming jury trial. Prosecutors filed a motion to suppress the information to protect the integrity of the case.
The Murder Case Involving James Craig
James Craig, 46, is accused of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Angela Craig, in March 2023. Angela, 43, had been hospitalized multiple times for severe headaches before she was declared brain-dead after her condition rapidly deteriorated.
Authorities later determined that she had been poisoned, allegedly by protein shakes laced with arsenic and potassium cyanide, substances James Craig had reportedly ordered through his dental profession.
The investigation revealed that Craig, possibly facing financial ruin, had been planning a life with another woman and had searched online for information about how to kill someone with arsenic and whether arsenic could be detected in an autopsy. Craig was arrested after Angela’s death, and further charges were added for attempting to tamper with evidence.
Attorney Withdrawals and Legal Complications
Werking’s withdrawal marks the second time James Craig has lost legal counsel in the case. In November 2023, his previous lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, also withdrew, citing irreconcilable differences with Craig, particularly regarding the alleged criminal actions and fraudulent behavior of the defendant.
The case has become more complicated with Craig’s additional charges related to evidence tampering. He allegedly solicited family members to help cover up his involvement in his wife’s death, which has raised concerns about his conduct during the legal proceedings.
Werking’s Legal Troubles and History
Before his arrest for arson, Werking had another legal issue on June 14, when he was ticketed for prohibited use of weapons related to aiming a firearm. This additional arrest has raised questions about his professionalism and ability to represent a high-profile client in such a complex case.
Robert Werking’s arrest for arson has added another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous case involving James Craig. As Werking steps down from his position as counsel, the question remains whether Craig will find another lawyer in time for his trial, which is scheduled to begin in just days.
