Hegseth yanks Pentagon officials from forum showing ‘disdain for our great country’
Secretary Pete Hegseth pulled senior Defense Department officials from the Aspen Security Conference for promoting the “evil of globalism.”
Military commanders were set to speak at the conference, which begins on Tuesday, as has been tradition through Republican and Democratic administrations.
But Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson told Just the News the secretary’s office believes the conference “promotes the evil of globalism, disdain for our great country, and hatred for the President of the United States.”
Wilson added that DoD “has no interest in legitimizing an organization that has invited former officials who have been the architects of chaos abroad and failure at home.”
HEGSETH TEARS UP RED TAPE, ORDERS PENTAGON TO BEGIN DRONE SURGE AT TRUMP’S COMMAND
The forum will host other Trump administration officials: Adam Boehler, presidential envoy for hostage response, and Tom Barrack, U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Syria.
It will also hear from some contentious Biden administration officials – Jake Sullivan, former national security advisor, and Brett McGurk, a former National Security Council coordinator.
HEGSETH ANNOUNCES NAVY OIL TANKER NAMED AFTER GAY RIGHTS LEADER RENAMED AFTER MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
Mark Esper, Trump’s former acting defense secretary, and David Petraeus, who was briefly CIA director under President Barack Obama, will also be speaking, along with Condoleezza Rice, a national security advisor and secretary of state during the Bush years.
“Senior Department of Defense officials will no longer be participating at the Aspen Security Forum because their values do not align with the values of the DoD,” chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.
“The Department will remain strong in its focus to increase the lethality of our warfighters, revitalize the warrior ethos, and project Peace Through Strength on the world stage. It is clear the ASF is not in alignment with these goals.”
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The Aspen Institute said in a statement on the Pentagon withdrawal: “For more than a decade, the Aspen Security Forum has welcomed senior officials – Republican and Democrat, civilian and military – as well as senior foreign officials and experts, who bring experience and diverse perspectives on matters of national security.”
“We will miss the participation of the Pentagon, but our invitations remain open.”
Trump appointee who survived migrant knife attack loses job in judges’ surprise move
A panel of federal judges declined to permanently appoint an interim U.S. attorney who reportedly claimed just days ago that his extension was approved.
The term of John Sarcone — who was appointed to the role of United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York on an interim basis by Attorney General Pamela Bondi in March – is set to expire Tuesday, according to WXXI.
“The Board of Judges of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York declines to exercise the authority granted pursuant to 28 U.S. Code § 546(d) to appoint a United States attorney for the Northern District of New York,” the panel said in a statement Monday, without elaborating further.
Last month, Sarcone told Fox News that he feared for his life after allegedly being confronted by a knife-wielding illegal immigrant in Albany, the capital of New York. The Department of Homeland Security said on June 17, Saul Morales-Garcia, who is from El Salvador, “lunged at Sarcone with a knife while yelling aggressively in a foreign language.”
KNIFE-WIELDING ILLEGAL MIGRANT ACCUSED OF THREATENING US ATTORNEY ON ALBANY, NY STREETS
In the lead-up to the panel’s statement, Sarcone said Friday he received word that the federal judges had voted to extend his appointment, WNYT reported.
However, the panel later issued a statement to the station saying “The Board of Judges of the Northern District of New York has taken no action with respect to U. S. Attorney Sarcone.”
Sarcone’s hopes of returning to the position on a permanent basis now rely on being formally nominated by President Donald Trump and then being confirmed by the Senate, WXXI reported.
The Northern District of New York stretches from central New York all the way to the Canadian border and includes the cities of Albany, Syracuse and Binghamton.
US ATTORNEY NARROWLY ESCAPES KNIFE ATTACK BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, BLAMES NEW YORK’S SANCTUARY POLICIES
“Thank you, Attorney General Bondi, for trusting me to carry out this important mission and most importantly thank you President Trump for once again having faith and confidence in me to do my part to accomplish one of your most important tasks – to restore public confidence and trust in our government and the Department of Justice,” Sarcone said when he was appointed on an interim basis in March.
The Department of Justice said Sarcone would be based in Albany and “has been a dedicated public servant and lawyer for many years.
“From 2018 to 2021, Mr. Sarcone served as Northeast and Caribbean Regional Administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, overseeing a large team responsible for federal buildings and facilities, procurement, and IT initiatives, and working with dozens of federal agencies and courthouses, including in the Northern District of New York. Earlier in his career, he served as Town Attorney in Eastchester, New York, and General Counsel to the United Federation of Special Police Officers, Inc. and to the Association of Commuter Rail Employees,” it said.
“Mr. Sarcone also founded and built a general practice law firm, providing advice to small businesses and family-owned corporations, handling large real estate transactions, and litigating and arbitrating in areas including business and construction disputes, insurance defense, and toxic torts,” the Department of Justice added.
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In the Western District of New York, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo was permanently appointed last month before his interim appointment expired, according to WXXI.
University defends teacher who allegedly attacked officers at illegal pot farm
A California professor has been arrested for allegedly throwing a tear gas canister at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a massive raid on a cannabis farm last week, where agitators also hurled rocks at law enforcement vehicles. The raid led to the arrest of more than 350 illegal aliens and the farm is suspected of using 14 children in potential forced labor, exploitation and trafficking violations.
Jonathan Anthony Caravello, a math professor at California State University Channel Islands, was arrested by federal agents conducting a raid at Glass House Farms in Ventura County, California, on Thursday, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli confirmed via X.
Essayli was responding to a local report on Caravello’s arrest, which quotes a social media post from the California Faculty Association (CFA) labor union accusing agents of “kidnapping” Caravello.
CHILD PREDATOR AMONG MORE THAN 300 NABBED IN CANNABIS FARM ICE RAID, LARGEST OF TRUMP’S SECOND TERM
“Professor Jonathan Caravello was not ‘kidnapped’ by federal agents,’” Essayli wrote. “He was arrested for throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement.”
Essayli wrote that Caravello was charged with a violation of 18 USC 111, assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer.
Caravello appeared in court on Monday and was released on a $15,000 bond, per reports.
The CFA on Monday posted a video of Caravello exiting a building in socks with an ankle monitor strapped on his left leg.
“Jonathan is a deeply committed educator and mentor who showed up for their students and immigrant communities—and for that, they were targeted,’ the CFA wrote, using gender-neutral pronouns when referring to Caravello. “Their release sends a powerful message: when we organize and raise our voices together, we win. We are in this fight and will not stop until no one is criminalized for speaking out against injustices.”
IMMIGRATION OPERATION AT CALIFORNIA CANNABIS FARMS LEADS TO CLASH BETWEEN FEDERAL AGENTS AND PROTESTERS
Caravello was seen on bodycam footage attempting to kick a canister, then picking it up and throwing it overhand back at agents, according to a federal affidavit cited by Ojai Valley News,
The affidavit states Caravello resisted arrest by refusing to comply with commands, kicking his legs and attempting to grab a Border Patrol agent’s leg during the takedown. He’s also accused of using a megaphone with siren sounds to disrupt officers.
Caravello left the scene after the canister incident and returned two hours later in different clothes where he was identified as the alleged canister thrower and arrested.
WATCH: Over 360 illegal migrants arrested in massive ICE raid at California pot farm
California State University Channel Islands released a statement in support of Caravello.
“At this time, it is our understanding that Professor Caravello was peacefully participating in a protest—an act protected under the First Amendment and a right guaranteed to all Americans,” the university wrote. “If confirmed, we stand with elected officials and community leaders calling for his immediate release.”
As the raid was taking place, violent clashes erupted between ICE agents and around 500 protesters, some of whom waved Mexican flags. Federal law enforcement agents were assaulted during the operation and one agitator appeared to fire a handgun towards agents as the crowd was dispersed with tear gas.
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The raid is believed to be the second-largest single-state ICE worksite operation in history, behind the first Trump administration’s 2019 Mississippi chicken plant raids that netted almost 700 illegal alien arrests.
One man taken into custody has a history of violent crime, including attempted child exploitation.
Fox News has learned that the children rescued at the farm are from Mexico and Honduras, and that immigration authorities are analyzing the criminal histories of all 319 of the detained illegal aliens.
Mother, father accused of attacking teen who refused arranged marriage now facing trial
The trial for a Washington father and his wife accused of trying to kill their 17-year-old daughter in October 2024 is slated to begin Monday.
Ihsan Ali, 44, and his 40-year-old wife, the victim’s mother, Zahraa Ali, are charged with second-degree attempted murder, second-degree attempted kidnapping, first-degree attempted kidnapping, and second-degree domestic violence assault in Thurston County.
Additionally, Ihsan Ali is charged with fourth-degree assault and Zahraa Ali is charged with violation of a domestic violence protective order and second-degree burglary.
The parents’ alleged Oct. 18, 2024, attack on their own teenage daughter may have been a possible “honor killing” attempt, according to witness accounts detailed in court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
FRIENDS WHO DISCOVERED IDAHO MURDER VICTIMS REVEAL EERIE OMEN BEFORE THE MASSACRE
The victim told police that her father was “trying to force her to go to another country, which had prompted her to run away earlier in the day.”
She went to her former public school, Timberline High School in Lacey County, believing she could get help from adults there, and her father, mother and sister allegedly followed her to the school, an affidavit filed on Oct. 24, 2024, states.
The 17-year-old girl said a school counselor helped her find a room at “Safe Haven,” and her plan was to take a city bus from the school to get there. While waiting for the city bus, the victim’s father allegedly approached her and “said she needed to go home,” the affidavit states.
“He would not take no for an answer and began pulling at her shirt. She said that once she was placed into a choke hold, she was unable to breathe or speak, and then passed out,” the affidavit says, adding later that the victim believes she lost consciousness several times while her father allegedly choked her.
Video footage of the attack recently obtained by The Daily Mail shows part of the fight unfolding at the public bus stop.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Alis’ attorney, Erik Kaeding, for comment.
Multiple witness accounts detailed in the affidavit say the victim’s father approached and attacked the victim while the victim’s 16-year-old boyfriend got between the two and tried to intervene. The victim’s father allegedly punched the 16-year-old boy, who in turn began “punching Ishan [Ali] in the head to get him to let go of [the victim].”
Witnesses also described seeing the victim’s eyes roll back while her father allegedly choked her, according to court documents.
The victim’s boyfriend’s mother later told police that she had been present once for a CPS interview with the 17-year-old victim in which she apparently stated that “her father had recently been threatening her with honor killing for refusing an arranged marriage with an older man in another country.”
The victim’s boyfriend told police he believed the 17-year-old victim was “going to die while her father was choking her out on the ground,” the affidavit reads.
The victim also said she “thought she was going to die” and recalled her mother and sister “trying to grab hold of her” during the incident.
READ THE AFFIDAVIT:
While the fight was underway, a bystander witness saw Ishan Ali put the girl in a chokehold “and would not let go.” He intervened “and was eventually able to get the female to break away and detained Ishan for law enforcement as he was the primary aggressor,” court documents read.
The boyfriend’s father, Victor Barnes, previously told FOX 13 Seattle that he is glad his son “was there to save [the victim’s] life” but added that he needs “more explanation about why the adults were so careless.”
He told the outlet an adult should have escorted the victim to the bus stop rather than his 16-year-old son.
“High school for me is a time I’d never forget. It was probably some of the four funniest years of my life, and it’s unfortunate he would have to experience something like this in high school,” said Barnes.
He further told the outlet that he had to file a restraining order against the victim’s parents because they kept showing up to his family’s home looking for the victim prior to the assault, FOX 13 reported.
Feds charge duo for alleged roles in ICE attack, while suspect remains loose
Federal authorities have charged two individuals in connection with a targeted attack on a Texas ICE detention facility earlier this month that left one officer injured as the final suspect remains on the run.
John Phillip Thomas and Lynette Read Sharp are charged with alleged accessory after the fact in the July 4 shooting at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, according to court documents.
“[Sharp and Thomas] were involved in Signal Chats, which show reconnaissance,” Nancy Larson, the acting U.S. Attorney, told “Fox and Friends” on Tuesday, adding the pair are accused of “planning a Google map [and] the location of nearby police departments.”
Authorities are still searching for alleged attacker Benjamin Hanil Song. Song, 32, is wanted for his involvement in what officials say was an organized attack on ICE officials by a group of 10 to 12 individuals.
MANHUNT FOR ICE FACILITY ATTACK SUSPECT REACHES 10 DAYS WITH REWARD MONEY ON THE LINE
Four days after the attack, authorities executed a search warrant at Thomas’ home in Dallas, with Thomas initially denying knowing Song before admitting the pair had been friends since 2022 and previously lived together from September 2024 to late June 2025, according to court documents.
Thomas allegedly told investigators he was housesitting for a friend on the day of the attack and met with three individuals the following day, later telling officials the group discussed the shooting and their plans to help Song flee the area. Court documents state Thomas then admitted to transporting Song to a separate home in the area.
FBI SEEKING MILITARY VET SUSPECTED IN ICE AMBUSH AT TEXAS DETENTION FACILITY
Upon searching Thomas’ vehicle, officers discovered a loaded 30-round AR-15 magazine and a Walmart receipt for clothing in Song’s size dated July 6, according to federal prosecutors.
Thomas allegedly told authorities he purchased the clothing for Song.
The documents also reveal Thomas was a member of two separate Signal Chat groups that also included Song, with Thomas allegedly removing Song from one of the chats the morning after the shooting.
MORE DETAILS REVEALED ON SUSPECTS IN INDEPENDENCE DAY ICE ATTACK IN TEXAS
The group chats were also allegedly used by Sharp, in which she is accused of discussing the group’s plans to partake in an operation at the Prairieland Detention Center, but divulged that she would not be able to attend due to “family problems” and offered to monitor the chat for the group.
The court documents also reveal Sharp allegedly used the online chat to help arrange Song’s transport from Thomas to another unnamed individual.
Authorities have arrested 14 people for their alleged connections to the attack, while Song remains at large.
Fox News Digital was unable to immediately locate attorneys representing Thomas and Sharp.
SUSPECT WANTED IN ANTI-ICE TEXAS AMBUSH PREVIOUSLY SUED IN PAST PROTEST INCIDENT
“We believe he is somewhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area but have expanded our publicity efforts to neighboring states just in case,” the FBI Dallas Field Office told Fox News Digital on Monday.
Song is accused of firing two AR-15-style rifles at a pair of correctional officers and an Alvarado police officer, according to a criminal complaint. He faces three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer and three counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The FBI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to Song’s arrest and conviction, with authorities noting the former U.S. Marine Corps reservist should be considered armed and dangerous.
“These latest two charges show the walls are closing in on [Song],” Larson said, adding, “he is running out of people to go to.”
Man has surprising response to being ‘scolded and humiliated’ by waitress
A waitress at an Italian restaurant apparently humiliated a customer in front of a full dining room, prompting him to take his tip back, according to an online forum.
The 32-year-old man shared the story on Reddit, asking if he was wrong about retrieving the cash after a dinner date went sideways.
“This occurred a few nights ago, and I just can’t believe it happened the way it did,” he wrote in his post last week.
MAN BUYS LOCKED MINI-FRIDGE AFTER FOOD THEFTS, GETS CALLED ‘WEIRD AND SELFISH’ BY CO-WORKERS
He and his 29-year-old girlfriend had dined at the restaurant before, he said.
It wasn’t fancy but was good for a “relaxed evening” over a glass of wine, he said.
But on this particular night, the service was poor, he said.
The waitress allegedly “lost” his drink twice, brought him and his girlfriend the wrong appetizer and “vanished for what seemed like an eternity” when they wanted to order dessert.
He paid and left a 10% cash tip, which he felt was “reasonable given the circumstances,” he said.
SCAM LEAVES RESTAURANT WAITRESS STUNNED AS DINERS LAUGH IN HER FACE: ‘WHY IS THIS THE NORM?’
“We were just standing up to leave when [the waitress] came over, took the cash and said, ‘Seriously? This is it?'” he continued. “She had said it audibly. A few people at some nearby tables turned around and stared.”
He said he was dumbfounded.
“Then she muttered, ‘Whatever, cheapskates.'”
“Then she added, ‘You know, servers can’t pay their rent because of people like you … If you can’t tip properly, don’t dine out.'”
The man said that others in the restaurant fell silent as his girlfriend recoiled in embarrassment, but he remained calm and told the waitress, “Sorry you feel that way.”
But then she muttered, “Whatever, cheapskates.”
That was the last straw for the baffled boyfriend.
He went back to the table, pocketed his cash tip and “left without another word.”
WORKER’S UNUSUAL LUNCH SPOT BACKFIRES AFTER UNCOMFORTABLE CONFRONTATION: ‘WAS I BEING DISRESPECTFUL?’
“I feel like [being] scolded and humiliated on account of a 10% tip that I actually did leave is way out of bounds,” he said.
His girlfriend later told him his reaction was “fine,” but a friend said he went too far.
So he took to Reddit, asking others if he was wrong “for retrieving the tip after she yelled at us in front of everyone in the restaurant.”
“She expected and then demanded a good tip for a crappy job.”
Many users sided with him and said they wouldn’t have left a tip either.
“She expected and then demanded a good tip for a crappy job,” one person wrote. “You were nice enough to leave her something, but she wanted to be ungrateful.”
Said another person, “The whole point of a tip is to be an incentive for the server to do good work.”
Others shared how they would have handled the situation.
“I would’ve told her, ‘Tip reflects your service,'” one commenter said.
“I would probably have pointed out why the tip was not higher,” said another. “And I would also contact the restaurant to speak to a manager because that server was way out of line.”
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But not everyone agreed.
“Tipping 10% is insane,” commented one person. “You are cheap.”
Another Redditor said the “petty” move might have punished co-workers pooling tips with her.
“The server could’ve been having a rough shift and having her manager speak to her might have helped her,” the person added.
Nick Leighton, host of the podcast “Were You Raised By Wolves?” and a New York-based etiquette expert, agreed a manager should be brought in.
“When service issues are so egregious they warrant leaving a less-than-standard tip amount, it’s ideal to loop in a manager first before exacting revenge on the server,” Leighton told Fox News Digital.
“Simply walking away would have been the move.”
“There are, many times, issues [that] are actually beyond the control of the server,” Leighton said. So “the manager can help provide a more fair resolution for everyone involved.”
While calling the customer a “cheapskate” wasn’t warranted, taking back the tip “certainly escalated the situation,” Leighton added.
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“Simply walking away would have been the move,” he advised.
Fox News Digital reached out to the original poster for comment.
‘Ridiculous prices’ force tourists to become ‘spectators’ as Sin City faces backlash
While Americans may head to Sin City to hit the jackpot, recent social chatter has called out Las Vegas for the prices people need to pay before they even land.
In the “r/vegas” forum on Reddit, one traveler wrote, “Vegas was amazing, but I can’t with the prices.”
The same person added, “City was amazing. Walking around the different themed casinos was like a fever dream. Sadly, I felt like a spectator instead of a participant. I have honestly never been to a place that was more absurdly priced.”
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The user shared surprise at having to spend $50 on two “big bottles” of water, $30 on “house wine” at the resort and guest parking fees.
Redditors took to the comments section to discuss their thoughts on the high prices as well as share some tips.
“Ah. I see it’s your first rodeo,” wrote one user.
Another user shared, “You are not supposed to drink minibar water. It’s priced for emergencies.”
AMERICANS TARGETED IN MEXICO CITY AS LOCALS PROTEST AGAINST TOURISM AND SOARING RENTS
“Same as NYC prices, it’s [crazy] … Love the area, though, it’s my fav casino right now,” said one Redditor.
Another person commented, “People are constantly asking for Vegas tips and tricks and probably the most common answer is stock up on water, alcohol and snacks at the nearest CVS/Walgreens/ABC Store.”
“It’s unfortunate, but this is standard for Vegas. Just pretend it doesn’t exist. Those $25 waters are there in case you’re too damn hung over to leave the room,” said another user. “You can always just drink tap water.”
In another Reddit thread on the same forum, a user wrote, “Las Vegas sees fall in tourists as ‘ridiculous prices’ hit.”
PARENTS CRASHING HONEYMOONS BECOMES BIZARRE NEW TRAVEL TREND FOR MODERN NEWLYWEDS
“Las Vegas is destroying itself and has no one else to blame,” commented one person.
Another individual wrote, “It’s an issue of supply and demand. The problem is that too many casino resorts are targeting the high-end market and there aren’t nearly enough visitors to fill those rooms.”
“Las Vegas is a big convention destination, but many convention planners are feeling ripped off as well and are choosing less expensive destinations,” the same user added.
A different user wrote, “I’m from LA and like most people I know, I used to go to Vegas a couple of times a year. I moved away for a while but as of last year I’m back in LA, and I was excited to travel to Vegas again until I started pricing it out.”
Mallory Dumond, Travelmation adviser and supervisor, told Fox News Digital the cost of visiting Vegas has increased over the past year.
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“Despite the high price tags, with proper planning, you can still ensure value, comfort and memorable moments if you’re thinking of visiting Vegas.”
Dumond shared a few tips for those seeking to visit the Gambling Capital of the World.
“Opt for a Sunday through Thursday stay if your schedule will allow. Often, you can find 5-star rooms at half the weekend rate! Same suite, same view, smarter timing.”
Dumond said that hitting nice restaurants can be more affordable during the day for lunch as opposed to dinner — and that visitors should take advantage of tasting menus or happy hours.
“For those who don’t want to stomach the bloated costs in Las Vegas, I encourage clients to consider Atlantic City, New Jersey, for a more affordable casino-and-beach alternative with major resort brands and entertainment,” suggested Drummond.
“Napa Valley, California is ideal for a laid-back, elevated vacation experience with delicious wine and Michelin-star dining.”
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Drummond also suggested, “if your top priority is a high-end luxury resort, check out Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for ocean-front extravagance, spas, yacht charters, and 5-star all-inclusives that offer a better value than Vegas.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the City of Las Vegas for comment.
Teen punches 10-foot beast in desperate fight for survival as it drags her under
A teenager in Florida was attacked by a 10-foot alligator and survived after fighting back.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said 15-year-old Summer Hinote was bitten by the alligator on her leg. The alligator took her underwater and was shaking her violently, she told local FOX 35.
“I just started punching it in the head as hard as I could. And he had let go and and then grabbed me again,” Hinote said. “And the second time that he let go and grabbed me, he had drug me underneath the water. And he like shook my leg around.”
The incident happened in Pond Creek, Florida, on June 22 about 25 miles away from Destin.
ALLIGATOR MAULS WOMAN CANOEING AS FLORIDA URGES VACATIONERS TO AVOID DISASTER WITH SAFETY TIPS
The teenager said she was swimming when she “felt something brush up against me.”
TWO SHARK ATTACKS REPORTED IN SEPARATE VACATION HOTSPOTS AS SUMMER BEACH SEASON STARTS
Hinote said that at one point, the alligator let go of her just to get a better grip.
“Whenever he let go, I had started running up. And I had gotten up out of the water,” she said.
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Hinote was able to break free of the alligator’s control with a friend’s help.
The teenager’s leg suffered severe injuries, but it did not need to be amputated, officials said.
Trial begins for dentist accused of killing wife and mom of six with poisoned protein shake
Jury selection kicked off Monday for the high-stakes trial of James Craig, the hometown dentist accused of poisoning his wife’s protein shakes while secretly carrying on a sordid affair and plotting a new life without her.
James Toliver Craig, 47, is charged with first-degree murder after deliberation in the March 2023 death of his wife, Angela Craig, a 43-year-old mother of six. Her cause of death was determined to be lethal doses 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.
SMALL TOWN DENTIST FACING TRIAL FOR ALLEGEDLY POISONING WIFE’S PROTEIN SHAKE AMID SECRET AFFAIR
Craig’s defense, led by Lisa Fine Moses, has already pursued two cornerstone motions, a motion to suppress electronic evidence and a motion to dismiss the charges, that set the tone for the weeks of courtroom wrangling ahead.
“Evidence is key to any case and a key motion that is filed in criminal cases are Motions to Suppress evidence and a Motion to Dismiss the charges,” Hyman explained to Fox News Digital.
A motion to suppress evidence is a request to exclude evidence that can be made by a defendant in a criminal case.
“A defendant does this because the defense believes that the evidence in question was obtained illegally or constitutionally in violation of a defendant’s rights,” she said.
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Central to the prosecutor’s case against the Aurora, Colorado, dentist is Craig’s alleged use of a work computer.
A suspected secret email account was not found on his phone, laptop or Angela’s phone — it was only accessed on the clinic computer in dental exam room No. 9, authorities said in court documents, obtained by Fox News Digital.
Investigators say that, in the weeks before his wife’s hospitalization and death, Craig used a dental-office computer to search for “undetectable poisons” and how to obtain them — later purchasing arsenic and cyanide by mail — as well as “how many grams of pure arsenic will kill a human” and “is arsenic detectable in an autopsy?”
Alongside these online searches, investigators alleged that Craig made YouTube queries such as “how to make poison” and “Top 5 Undetectable Poisons That Show No Signs of Foul Play.”
“The defense argued that the searches went ‘beyond the scope’ of the search warrant,” Hyman said. “However, a judge has already denied motions to suppress electronic evidence.”
“That being said, it is likely defense counsel will continue to challenge the admissibility of various evidence gathered by the prosecution, such as voice messages between Craig and his alleged mistress.”
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Beyond those fundamental motions, Hyman warned that the battle over forensic evidence could prove pivotal.
She said it’s likely the court will hold “gatekeeping” hearings, under Colorado’s version of the Daubert standard, in which the judge decides whether scientific evidence, such as toxicology reports and digital forensics, is reliable enough to let the jury see it.
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“Chain-of-custody documentation and lab accreditation standards here in Colorado,” she said, “will be scrutinized at every turn.”
Hyman also discussed how pretrial publicity might impact plea negotiations. Prosecutors, she suggested, often harden their stance to avoid appearing weak in the court of public opinion — even as defendants leverage the threat of venue changes or jury sequestration to force 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.”
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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.