Kouri Richins murder trial
Kouri Richins, found guilty of aggravated murder and other charges in the death of her husband, Eric Richins, had her motion to postpone her sentencing hearing denied by a judge on April 29, 2026. As of April 29, 2026: Richins' sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026, after a jury found her guilty on all charges on March 16, 2026, following deliberations that lasted three hours. Prosecutors argued Richins poisoned her husband with fentanyl in March 2022 for financial motives, including life insurance and an affair. Richins has been in custody since May 2023 and faces 26 new felony charges, including mortgage fraud and money laundering, filed in July 2025.
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April 2026 — 6 developments
A judge has denied Kouri Richins' motion to postpone her sentencing hearing, scheduled for May 13, 2026.
A judge has denied Kouri Richins' motion to postpone her sentencing hearing, scheduled for May 13, 2026. The judge cited sufficient preparation time for the defense and potential negative impacts on minor victims as reasons for the denial. Richins was found guilty of aggravated murder and other charges.
A judge denied Kouri Richins' bail for the second time in November 2024 and dismissed two charges of controlled substance distribution.
A judge denied Kouri Richins' bail for the second time in November 2024 and dismissed two charges of controlled substance distribution. A pre-trial hearing in January 2026 addressed evidence admissibility and the prosecution's intent to present financial crimes as motive. Richins has been in custody since May 2023.
Prosecutors have opposed Kouri Richins' attorneys' motion to reschedule her May 13, 2026, sentencing hearing.
Prosecutors have opposed Kouri Richins' attorneys' motion to reschedule her May 13, 2026, sentencing hearing. They argue the motion is untimely and would disrupt post-trial litigation schedules.
Kouri Richins' sentencing hearing, scheduled for May 13, has been postponed due to defense attorney unavailability.
Kouri Richins' sentencing hearing, scheduled for May 13, has been postponed due to defense attorney unavailability. The reasons cited include a family death and an upcoming international trip, as well as a conflict with another trial.
Kouri Richins' attorneys filed a motion on April 16, 2026, to reschedule her sentencing hearing, currently set for May 13, 2026.
Kouri Richins' attorneys filed a motion on April 16, 2026, to reschedule her sentencing hearing, currently set for May 13, 2026. The defense cited the need for more time to prepare mitigation evidence and witnesses, as well as scheduling conflicts.
A jury found Kouri Richins guilty on all charges, including aggravated murder, for the death of her husband, Eric Richins.
A jury found Kouri Richins guilty on all charges, including aggravated murder, for the death of her husband, Eric Richins. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026.
March 2026 — 24 developments
Kouri Richins has been found guilty of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery in the death of her husband, Eric Richins.
Kouri Richins has been found guilty of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery in the death of her husband, Eric Richins. The jury deliberated for three hours before reaching the verdict on March 16, 2026. Prosecutors argued Richins poisoned her husband with fentanyl in March 2022, citing financial motives including life insurance and an affair.
The Kouri Richins murder trial is nearing its conclusion, with closing arguments anticipated.
The Kouri Richins murder trial is nearing its conclusion, with closing arguments anticipated. In addition to the murder charges, Richins faces 26 new felony charges filed in July 2025, including mortgage fraud and money laundering. A former housekeeper testified that she sold fentanyl to Richins, and the defendant has been denied bail multiple times.
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, prosecutors presented a children's book she authored about grief, titled "Are You With Me?
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, prosecutors presented a children's book she authored about grief, titled "Are You With Me?", as evidence. They allege Richins poisoned her husband, Eric Richins, for financial gain, citing her real estate business's debt and life insurance policies. The defense has challenged the prosecution's evidence.
Closing arguments in the Kouri Richins murder trial are scheduled for March 17, 2026, following the prosecution and defense resting their cases on March 13, 2026.
Closing arguments in the Kouri Richins murder trial are scheduled for March 17, 2026, following the prosecution and defense resting their cases on March 13, 2026. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl in 2022 for financial gain.
The prosecution has rested its case in the Kouri Richins murder trial, presenting a letter from Richins' jail cell and a journal entry detailing the night her husband died.
The prosecution has rested its case in the Kouri Richins murder trial, presenting a letter from Richins' jail cell and a journal entry detailing the night her husband died. The defense has waived its witnesses and Richins herself has waived her right to testify. The judge denied the defense's motion for a directed verdict, finding sufficient evidence for the trial to continue.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, lead investigator Jeff O'Driscoll testified about a letter found in Richins' jail cell.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, lead investigator Jeff O'Driscoll testified about a letter found in Richins' jail cell. Prosecutors claim the letter, titled "Walk the Dog!!," directed her brother to state that Eric Richins was obtaining "pain pills and fentanyl from Mexico," which prosecutors allege was an attempt to fabricate testimony.
Kouri Richins' murder trial was delayed on March 10, 2026, as attorneys debated the admissibility of portions of interviews with a key witness.
Kouri Richins' murder trial was delayed on March 10, 2026, as attorneys debated the admissibility of portions of interviews with a key witness. Prosecutors sought to admit specific transcripts, while the defense argued for the admission of the entire set of interviews. The trial is scheduled to continue.
The lead detective in the Kouri Richins murder trial is scheduled to testify on March 10, 2026, regarding jail calls and other investigative details.
The lead detective in the Kouri Richins murder trial is scheduled to testify on March 10, 2026, regarding jail calls and other investigative details. This testimony comes as the prosecution is nearing the conclusion of its case, having presented nearly 40 witnesses. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial on March 9, 2026, Eric Richins' business partner testified that he had never seen Eric use drugs, and a private investigator also testified.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial on March 9, 2026, Eric Richins' business partner testified that he had never seen Eric use drugs, and a private investigator also testified. Previously, in July 2025, Richins faced 26 new charges including mortgage fraud, money laundering, and forgery, stemming from allegations of using altered bank documents and defrauding a friend. Prosecutors allege she poisoned her husband with fentanyl to gain money and inherit his estate.
Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins fatally poisoned her husband with five times the lethal dose of fen…
Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins fatally poisoned her husband with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in a Moscow mule cocktail and previously attempted to poison him with a fentanyl-laced sandwich. Her lover, Robert Grossman, testified that Richins asked him if he had ever killed anyone after her husband's death. The prosecution is nearing the end of its case, having presented nearly 40 witnesses and Richins' self-authored "life story" as evidence.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, prosecutors presented her self-authored "life story" as evidence.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, prosecutors presented her self-authored "life story" as evidence. The prosecution also announced it is nearing the end of its case, with the lead investigator expected to be the final witness early next week.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, her lover Robert Grossman testified that Richins asked him if he had ever killed anyone after her husband's death.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, her lover Robert Grossman testified that Richins asked him if he had ever killed anyone after her husband's death. Prosecutors presented bodycam footage of Richins' reaction to her husband Eric's death, and EMTs found Eric Richins "flatlined."
The prosecution in the Kouri Richins murder trial announced they are nearing the end of their case, with nearly 40 witnesses having testified.
The prosecution in the Kouri Richins murder trial announced they are nearing the end of their case, with nearly 40 witnesses having testified. Richins is accused of aggravated murder, attempted murder, and financial crimes in connection with her husband Eric Richins' fatal overdose in 2022. The defense plans to call their own witnesses and recall some prosecution witnesses.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, an employee of her late husband Eric Richins' company testified that Richins stated life would improve if her husband were dead.
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, an employee of her late husband Eric Richins' company testified that Richins stated life would improve if her husband were dead. This statement was allegedly made approximately two and a half months before Eric Richins' death in March 2022. Richins is charged with aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery.
Kouri Richins' boyfriend, Robert Josh Grossman, testified on March 5, 2026, in the murder trial.
Kouri Richins' boyfriend, Robert Josh Grossman, testified on March 5, 2026, in the murder trial. Grossman stated that Richins asked him if he had ever killed anyone after her husband's death. Prosecutors allege Richins poisoned her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl for financial gain.
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, her boyfriend Robert Josh Grossman testified about their relationship and text messages where Richins discussed finances and marriage.
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, her boyfriend Robert Josh Grossman testified about their relationship and text messages where Richins discussed finances and marriage. A forensic accountant revealed Richins owed $7.5 million, had forged her husband's signature on loans, and purchased a $2.9 million home the day after his death. Prosecutors allege Richins poisoned her husband with fentanyl for financial gain.
During the Kouri Richins murder trial on March 5, 2026, Richins' boyfriend, Robert Josh Grossman, testified about their relationship and communications.
During the Kouri Richins murder trial on March 5, 2026, Richins' boyfriend, Robert Josh Grossman, testified about their relationship and communications. Text messages presented in court revealed Richins discussing purchasing homes and asking Grossman if he would marry her if she were divorced. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022.
During the Kouri Richins murder trial on March 4, 2026, a drug dealer testified he did not sell fentanyl in early 2022, the period of Eric Richins' death.
During the Kouri Richins murder trial on March 4, 2026, a drug dealer testified he did not sell fentanyl in early 2022, the period of Eric Richins' death. Prosecutors presented a phone call where Richins questioned a medical examiner about her husband's toxicology report. The defense's request for a mistrial was denied on March 3, 2026.
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, a forensic accountant testified that Richins owed approximately $7.
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, a forensic accountant testified that Richins owed approximately $7.5 million and was making $80,000 monthly debt payments. Prosecutors also presented cell phone data, including messages between Richins and an alleged affair partner, and data from the victim's phone indicating when he became inactive on the night of his death.
In the Kouri Richins murder trial, a forensic accountant testified that Richins owed approximately $7.
In the Kouri Richins murder trial, a forensic accountant testified that Richins owed approximately $7.5 million and was paying around $80,000 per month towards her debt. Prosecutors allege Richins poisoned her husband with fentanyl for financial gain, believing she would inherit millions from his estate.
Kouri Richins' murder trial has entered its second week, with prosecutors presenting testimony from …
Kouri Richins' murder trial has entered its second week, with prosecutors presenting testimony from Eric Richins' family, crime scene investigators, and the former housekeeper who allegedly sold Richins illicit drugs. The trial, expected to last five weeks, continues with the prosecution presenting its case. Richins has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated murder.
In the Kouri Richins murder trial, the judge denied the defense's request for a mistrial.
In the Kouri Richins murder trial, the judge denied the defense's request for a mistrial. The defense argued that a crime scene technician's mention of jail calls between Richins and her family prejudiced the jury. The judge ruled that this did not violate Richins' right to a fair trial.
Jurors returned for the seventh day of Kouri Richins' murder trial on March 3, 2026.
Jurors returned for the seventh day of Kouri Richins' murder trial on March 3, 2026. Testimony has included details about phone searches for "remotely deleting messages," "luxury prisons for the rich," and inquiries about life insurance payouts. Prosecutors allege Richins fatally poisoned her husband with fentanyl for financial gain.
A friend of Kouri Richins testified that she felt trapped and frustrated in her marriage, citing concerns about financial security and her husband's alleged affair.
A friend of Kouri Richins testified that she felt trapped and frustrated in her marriage, citing concerns about financial security and her husband's alleged affair. A digital forensics analyst also presented evidence of suspicious internet searches made on Richins' phones after her husband's death, including queries about remotely wiping an iPhone and information on luxury prisons.
February 2026 — 16 developments
On the fifth day of the Kouri Richins murder trial, testimony from alleged drug dealers and the hous…
On the fifth day of the Kouri Richins murder trial, testimony from alleged drug dealers and the housekeeper, Carmen Lauber, presented conflicting accounts regarding the source of fentanyl. Lauber testified she bought fentanyl from Robert Crozier, but Crozier later recanted, stating he sold her oxycodone. Prosecutors presented evidence including cell phones, THC edibles, and prescriptions.
Opening statements in the Kouri Richins murder trial revealed prosecutors allege she poisoned her husband with fentanyl for financial gain, motivated by $4.
Opening statements in the Kouri Richins murder trial revealed prosecutors allege she poisoned her husband with fentanyl for financial gain, motivated by $4.5 million in debt. On Day 4, testimony from a toxicologist and former housekeeper Carmen Lauber presented conflicting accounts of the fentanyl source, with Lauber stating she sold it to Richins after being asked to purchase drugs.
Kouri Richins' former housekeeper, Carmen Lauber, testified that she supplied fentanyl pills to Richins, which prosecutors allege were used to kill her husband, Eric Richins.
Kouri Richins' former housekeeper, Carmen Lauber, testified that she supplied fentanyl pills to Richins, which prosecutors allege were used to kill her husband, Eric Richins. Lauber became emotional on the stand, stating she cooperated with investigators for accountability and hoped for immunity. Defense attorneys questioned Lauber's testimony, presenting a recorded conversation where investigators suggested she could face prison time.
During Kouri Richins' ongoing murder trial on February 24, 2026, prosecutors presented new evidence …
During Kouri Richins' ongoing murder trial on February 24, 2026, prosecutors presented new evidence including 3D images of the home, cell phones, THC edibles, and prescription medications. The defense argued that the presented evidence does not prove Richins committed the murder. The trial continues with testimony regarding the six hours surrounding her husband Eric Richins' death.
The murder trial for Kouri Richins, accused of poisoning her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl, continued on its second day, February 24, 2026.
The murder trial for Kouri Richins, accused of poisoning her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl, continued on its second day, February 24, 2026. Testimony included a retired medical examiner and a sheriff's deputy discussing autopsy and scene evidence. Previously, Richins was denied bond in November 2025 while awaiting trial, and in July 2025, she faced dozens of new charges including fraud and money laundering.
The murder trial for Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband, continued on February 24, 2026.
The murder trial for Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband, continued on February 24, 2026. The prosecution presented testimony from Deputy Vincent Nguyen, who described Richins' reaction at the scene as "a little abnormal" due to her hiding her face in her hands, while the defense questioned the security of the phone evidence.
Prosecutors opened the murder trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother and author, by portraying her as a killer motivated by greed and significant debt.
Prosecutors opened the murder trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother and author, by portraying her as a killer motivated by greed and significant debt. They allege she administered five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in a cocktail to her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022, believing she would inherit his estate valued at over $4 million.
Kouri Richins' five-week murder trial for the alleged poisoning of her husband, Eric Richins, with a fentanyl-laced cocktail has begun.
Kouri Richins' five-week murder trial for the alleged poisoning of her husband, Eric Richins, with a fentanyl-laced cocktail has begun. Prosecutors claim she administered a dose five times the lethal amount and had previously attempted to poison him. Richins has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Jury selection has concluded for Kouri Richins' murder trial, with eight jurors and four alternates selected.
Jury selection has concluded for Kouri Richins' murder trial, with eight jurors and four alternates selected. The trial is scheduled to commence on February 23, 2026, shortly before the fourth anniversary of her husband Eric Richins' death.
Jury selection has begun for Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl.
Jury selection has begun for Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl. The process is underway in Summit County, with attorneys meticulously questioning potential jurors for bias due to extensive media coverage. The trial is expected to proceed with the selection of eight jurors and alternates.
Jury selection is set to begin for Kouri Richins, who is accused of fatally poisoning her husband.
Jury selection is set to begin for Kouri Richins, who is accused of fatally poisoning her husband. Amended charges have also been filed, removing drug distribution charges and adding insurance fraud and forgery.
Kouri Richins' case has been included in a Department of Homeland Security intelligence bulletin.
Kouri Richins' case has been included in a Department of Homeland Security intelligence bulletin. This bulletin warns law enforcement about the increasing trend of domestic partners using chemical and biological toxins to commit murder. The inclusion highlights how her alleged methods, such as using fentanyl, are being recognized in a broader national context of domestic poisonings.
A judge denied Kouri Richins' second request to move her trial out of Summit County, citing extensive media coverage.
A judge denied Kouri Richins' second request to move her trial out of Summit County, citing extensive media coverage. Additionally, amended charges have been filed, removing drug distribution charges but adding insurance fraud and forgery.
A judge denied Kouri Richins' request for bail, citing substantial evidence against her in the murder case.
A judge denied Kouri Richins' request for bail, citing substantial evidence against her in the murder case. Additionally, her defense team has again sought to move the trial out of Summit County, arguing that a high percentage of residents are aware of the case and could prevent a fair trial.
A key witness in the Kouri Richins murder trial has recanted his testimony.
A key witness in the Kouri Richins murder trial has recanted his testimony. The witness, who allegedly sold fentanyl to Richins' housekeeper, now claims he sold a different drug and was not lucid when he previously provided his statement. This development challenges the prosecution's case as the trial approaches.
A judge has denied Kouri Richins' second request to move her murder trial out of Summit County.
A judge has denied Kouri Richins' second request to move her murder trial out of Summit County. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on February 10, 2026, and the trial is set to commence on February 23, 2026. These developments provide updated procedural information and confirm upcoming trial dates.
January 2026 — 2 developments
Attorneys for Kouri Richins have accused the prosecution team of witness intimidation.
Attorneys for Kouri Richins have accused the prosecution team of witness intimidation. This claim comes just weeks before her trial is scheduled to begin in February 2026. The defense alleges that prosecutors threatened witnesses.
A judge will determine whether to admit evidence related to alleged abuse and drug use by Eric Richins, as well as Kouri Richins' own writings, into her murder trial.
A judge will determine whether to admit evidence related to alleged abuse and drug use by Eric Richins, as well as Kouri Richins' own writings, into her murder trial. This includes a notebook detailing her account of her husband's death, which could potentially be used as evidence.
November 2025 — 2 developments
A judge denied Kouri Richins' request for bail, citing substantial evidence in the case of her husband's alleged poisoning.
A judge denied Kouri Richins' request for bail, citing substantial evidence in the case of her husband's alleged poisoning. The Utah Supreme Court also declined to review an appeal to move the trial, allowing proceedings to continue in Summit County. Additionally, a judge has limited expert testimony and ordered future evidentiary hearings to be closed to the public.
A judge has denied Kouri Richins' third request for bail, citing substantial evidence in the case.
A judge has denied Kouri Richins' third request for bail, citing substantial evidence in the case. The defense's argument that a key prosecution witness had recanted his testimony was not found persuasive by the judge.
October 2025 — 3 developments
Kouri Richins filed a motion alleging her sister-in-law, who manages her husband's trust, was paying prosecution witnesses and providing them with information to incriminate her.
Kouri Richins filed a motion alleging her sister-in-law, who manages her husband's trust, was paying prosecution witnesses and providing them with information to incriminate her.
Summit County prosecutors amended the charging documents in the murder case to separate some financial crimes from the homicide case, as ordered by a judge.
Summit County prosecutors amended the charging documents in the murder case to separate some financial crimes from the homicide case, as ordered by a judge.
Kouri Richins' defense team has filed a third request for bail, presenting new evidence that the man who allegedly sold fentanyl to her housekeeper may have actually sold OxyContin.
Kouri Richins' defense team has filed a third request for bail, presenting new evidence that the man who allegedly sold fentanyl to her housekeeper may have actually sold OxyContin. This information could potentially undermine the prosecution's case.
July 2025 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins faces 26 new charges, including mortgage fraud, money laundering, communications fraud, forgery, and issuing bad checks.
Kouri Richins faces 26 new charges, including mortgage fraud, money laundering, communications fraud, forgery, and issuing bad checks. Jury selection for her murder trial is scheduled to begin on February 10, 2026, with the trial commencing on February 23, 2026.
June 2025 — 1 developments
Richins faced 26 new felony charges, including mortgage fraud, money laundering, communications frau…
Richins faced 26 new felony charges, including mortgage fraud, money laundering, communications fraud, forgery, and issuing bad checks, which prosecutors argue tie into her husband's death.
May 2023 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins was arrested and charged with aggravated murder in connection with her husband's death.
Kouri Richins was arrested and charged with aggravated murder in connection with her husband's death.
March 2022 — 3 developments
Kouri Richins allegedly purchased fentanyl pills and later exchanged them for cash with an associate, according to later testimony.
Kouri Richins allegedly purchased fentanyl pills and later exchanged them for cash with an associate, according to later testimony.
Kouri Richins placed the 911 call reporting her husband unresponsive, stating he was cold to the touch.
Kouri Richins placed the 911 call reporting her husband unresponsive, stating he was cold to the touch.
Eric Richins was found unresponsive in his home by his wife, Kouri Richins.
Eric Richins was found unresponsive in his home by his wife, Kouri Richins. First responders were unable to revive him.