History of Craig Titus in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 31, 2025

Craig Titus is an American convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and arson in the 2005 death of Melissa James, his personal assistant. He pleaded guilty in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was sentenced to 21 to 55 years in prison in 2008. The case involved his wife, Kelly Ryan, who was also implicated.

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Full Timeline

January 14, 1965: Craig Titus's Birth

On January 14, 1965, Craig Michael Titus was born in Wyandotte, Michigan.

1965: Birth Year

In 1965, Craig Titus was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, and spent his early life in Riverview, near Detroit. He also has a younger brother, Kevin, and a younger sister, Nicole.

1988: First Bodybuilding Competition

In 1988, Craig Titus participated in his first bodybuilding competition, the Houston Bodybuilding Championships, where he won the Men's Open middleweight class and the overall title.

April 1995: Guilty Plea for Conspiracy

In April 1995, in Louisiana, Craig Titus pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute ecstasy and was sentenced to 16 months' house arrest with electronic monitoring.

1996: Joined International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation

By 1996, Craig Titus established himself and was accepted into the professional ranks of the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.

July 1997: Prison Sentence for Probation Violation

In July 1997, Craig Titus was sentenced to 21 months in prison for violating his probation by using anabolic steroids.

2000: Remarriage to Kelly Ryan

In 2000, Craig Titus remarried Kelly Ryan, a fitness competitor, in Clark County, Nevada. They had met through competitions.

December 14, 2005: Murder of Melissa James

On December 14, 2005, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Melissa James, Craig Titus's personal assistant, died.

February 2006: Bail Denied

In February 2006, Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan were denied bail following the death of Melissa James.

May 30, 2008: Guilty Plea to Avoid Death Penalty

On May 30, 2008, days before their murder trial was set to begin in Las Vegas, Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan pled guilty to charges related to Melissa James's death, avoiding capital charges. Titus pled guilty to second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and arson.

June 2008: Scheduled Murder Trial

In June 2008, Craig Titus's murder trial was scheduled to begin in Las Vegas before he pled guilty to various charges related to Melissa James's death.

August 22, 2008: Conviction and Sentencing

On August 22, 2008, Craig Titus was convicted of second-degree murder, kidnapping, and arson and sentenced to 21 to 55 years in prison. He is incarcerated at Lovelock Correctional Center in Nevada.