Kouri Richins murder conviction and sentencing

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SUMMARY

Judge Kara Pettit denied Kouri Richins' attempts to disqualify her trial judge on July 30, 2026, finding the filings invalid and lacking grounds for bias. As of July 30, 2026: Richins, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole on May 13, 2026, for the murder of her husband, is seeking a new trial, alleging judicial bias and prosecutorial misconduct. Third District Judge Richard Mrazik recused himself from ruling on her motion for a new trial on July 10, 2026, citing an abundance of caution. A restitution hearing, where prosecutors are seeking over $1.3 million, has been rescheduled, and Richins' alleged fentanyl supplier, Robert Crozier, was arrested on new felony charges including enticing a minor on June 17, 2026.

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July 2026 4 developments

  1. Judge Denies Kouri Richins' Motion for New Trial, Upholds Judge's Role

    Judge Kara Pettit denied Kouri Richins' attempts to disqualify her trial judge, finding the filings invalid and lacking grounds for bias. The disqualification request was deemed untimely and unsupported. A restitution hearing, where prosecutors are seeking over $1.3 million, has been rescheduled.

  2. Judge recuses himself from Kouri Richins' new trial motion amid bias allegations

    Third District Judge Richard Mrazik has recused himself from ruling on Kouri Richins' motion for a new trial, citing an abundance of caution due to allegations of judicial bias and prosecutorial misconduct. The presiding judge of the district will now review Mrazik's recusal request and make the final decision.

  3. Judge Recuses Himself from Kouri Richins' New Trial Motion Amid Bias Allegations

    The judge presiding over Kouri Richins' motion for a new trial has disqualified himself due to allegations of judicial bias. Richins is seeking a new trial, arguing that the admission of financial evidence was unduly prejudicial, citing the overturned conviction of Alex Murdaugh as precedent.

  4. Kouri Richins Files Motion for New Trial Alleging Judicial Bias and Prosecutorial Misconduct

    Kouri Richins has filed a motion for a new trial, alleging judicial bias and prosecutorial misconduct during her murder trial. Her attorneys argue the judge favored the prosecution and that evidence of her financial dealings caused undue prejudice.

June 2026 6 developments

  1. Kouri Richins Witness Arrested on New Charges of Enticing a Minor

    Robert Crozier, identified as Kouri Richins' alleged fentanyl supplier and a key witness, was arrested on new felony charges including enticing a minor. Crozier is accused of sending lewd messages to an investigator posing as an underage girl and is being held without bail. The arrest occurred on June 17, 2026, according to one report, and June 23, 2026, according to another.

  2. Kouri Richins' Alleged Fentanyl Supplier Arrested on New Charges; Defense Team Withdraws

    Robert Crozier, identified as Kouri Richins' alleged fentanyl supplier, was arrested on new felony charges including enticing a minor and distributing harmful material to a minor. Separately, Richins' defense team for her financial crimes case has moved to withdraw due to lack of payment.

  3. Kouri Richins Trial: Jurors Reveal Unpresented Fentanyl Evidence

    Jurors revealed that fentanyl was found in Kouri Richins' home on two occasions, though this evidence was not presented during her trial. Text messages from Richins to an associate asking to procure fentanyl were also discovered but could not be used as evidence. Richins was sentenced to life in prison without parole on May 13, 2026, for the murder of her husband.

  4. Kouri Richins appeals murder conviction, focusing on trial court conduct and estate forfeiture

    Kouri Richins has appealed her aggravated murder conviction, with her legal team expected to request a new trial on procedural grounds focusing on the trial court's conduct. Summit County will cover Richins' attorney fees for the appeal, as the state declined to do so. Fentanyl was found in the Richins' home but was not presented as evidence during the trial.

  5. Kouri Richins Forfeits Husband's Estate Rights After Murder Conviction

    A judge ruled that Kouri Richins forfeits all rights to her husband's estate following her conviction for his murder. Richins was sentenced to life in prison without parole on May 13, 2026, and her attorneys plan to appeal.

  6. Kouri Richins' legal team seeks new trial extension after life sentence

    Kouri Richins' legal team sought an extension on June 2, 2026, to file a motion for a new trial following her life sentence for the murder of her husband. The state has opposed this request. During her sentencing hearing, Richins' sons expressed fear of their mother, and her husband's family members spoke about the impact of his loss.

May 2026 3 developments

  1. Kouri Richins' Defense Team Seeks Withdrawal from Financial Crimes Case

    Kouri Richins' defense team has moved to withdraw from her financial crimes case, stating Summit County has not contracted them for this separate matter and that financial crime defense is outside their expertise. This financial case involves charges of money laundering, mortgage fraud, and a pattern of criminal activity. Her murder case is awaiting a restitution hearing and a defense motion for a new trial.

  2. Kouri Richins sentenced to life in prison for murdering husband

    Utah author Kouri Richins has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of her husband, Eric Richins. The sentencing occurred on May 13, 2026, which would have been Eric's 43rd birthday. Richins was found guilty in March of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery, and two counts of insurance fraud.

  3. Judge Denies Kouri Richins' Request to Delay Sentencing

    The judge denied Kouri Richins' defense team's motion to delay her sentencing hearing, scheduled for May 13. The judge cited sufficient preparation time for the defense and stated that a delay would negatively impact the victims. Richins faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

April 2026 1 developments

  1. Kouri Richins' Sentencing Postponed After Defense Requests More Time

    Kouri Richins' sentencing, originally set for May 13, 2026, has been postponed as her defense team requested additional time to prepare mitigation evidence and witnesses, citing personal unavailability due to a family death and a prior trial commitment.

March 2026 22 developments

  1. Kouri Richins convicted of aggravated murder, faces sentencing and new financial crime charges

    Kouri Richins was found guilty of aggravated murder and all other charges, with sentencing scheduled for May 13, 2026. She also faces a separate trial for 26 additional financial crime charges, with a scheduling conference set for April 17, 2026.

  2. Jury finds Kouri Richins guilty of aggravated murder in husband's poisoning death

    A jury found Kouri Richins guilty of aggravated murder and all other charges, including attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery, in the poisoning death of her husband, Eric Richins. The verdict came after approximately three hours of deliberation. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026.

  3. Kouri Richins murder trial closes, jury begins deliberations in alleged poisoning case

    Closing arguments were presented on March 16, 2026, in the Kouri Richins murder trial, after which the jury began deliberations. Prosecutors allege Richins fatally poisoned her husband, Eric Richins, on March 4, 2022, to gain financial benefits. Richins faces charges including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery.

  4. Kouri Richins Defense Rests Without Calling Witnesses; Judge Denies Acquittal Motion

    In the Kouri Richins murder trial, the defense rested its case on March 13, 2026, after choosing not to call any witnesses, and Richins herself did not testify. Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2026. The judge denied the defense's motion to acquit Richins of all charges.

  5. Kouri Richins found guilty of aggravated murder in husband's fentanyl poisoning death

    Kouri Richins has been found guilty of aggravated murder and other charges in the death of her husband, Eric Richins. The prosecution argued Richins fatally poisoned her husband with fentanyl in March 2022, administering a lethal dose in a Moscow mule cocktail, and had previously attempted to poison him with a sandwich. Evidence presented included a letter from Richins' jail cell, her journal, and testimony from a housekeeper who purchased fentanyl for her.

  6. Kouri Richins Murder Trial Testimony Concludes; Defense Calls No Witnesses

    In the Kouri Richins murder trial, testimony concluded on March 12, 2026, with the defense opting not to call any witnesses. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl in 2022, allegedly to gain life insurance benefits. Evidence presented included a letter from Richins' jail cell and a journal entry detailing the night of her husband's death.

  7. Detective O'Driscoll testifies about letter found in Kouri Richins' jail cell

    During the Kouri Richins murder trial, lead detective Jeff O'Driscoll testified about a letter found in Richins' jail cell. Prosecutors allege this letter, titled "Walk the Dog!!", was an outline for her mother and brother's testimony. A journal entry detailing the night her husband died was also presented.

  8. Lead Detective Jeff O'Driscoll to Testify as Final Witness in Kouri Richins Murder Trial

    The Kouri Richins murder trial is continuing, with the lead detective, Jeff O'Driscoll, expected to testify on March 11, 2026, as the prosecution's final witness. The trial, now in its 12th day, has experienced delays due to multiple motions. Prosecutors anticipate calling their final witness on March 11, 2026, nearing the end of their case after nearly 40 witnesses have testified.

  9. Kouri Richins Allegedly Stated 'It Would Be Better If Eric Was Dead' Before Husband's Death

    In the Kouri Richins murder trial, testimony revealed that Richins allegedly stated "in many ways it would be better if Eric was dead" about two and a half months before her husband's death. Prosecutors presented a self-authored "life story" as evidence, detailing her difficult childhood and marital issues. A judge denied Richins' request for bail, citing substantial evidence against her.

  10. Kouri Richins murder trial continues with handwriting expert testimony and jail call discussions

    The Kouri Richins murder trial entered its tenth day on March 9, 2026, with testimony from a handwriting expert and discussions regarding the admissibility of jail calls. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, in 2022 with fentanyl and faces charges including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery.

  11. Kouri Richins' paramour testifies she asked about killing, sought mansion after husband's death

    During the Kouri Richins murder trial, her paramour Robert Grossman testified that Richins asked him if he had ever killed anyone and suggested they acquire a mansion the day after her husband's death. Prosecutors also presented evidence suggesting Eric Richins knew his wife was trying to kill him and had warned his family.

  12. Prosecutors present Kouri Richins' 'life story' as evidence in murder trial

    Prosecutors presented a "life story" written by Kouri Richins in 2021 as evidence in her murder trial. Her paramour, Robert Grossman, testified that Richins asked him if he had ever killed anyone after her husband's death. The prosecution anticipates calling its final witness early next week, indicating they are nearing the end of their case.

  13. Prosecution Nears End of Kouri Richins Murder Trial, Final Witness Expected Next Week

    The prosecution in the Kouri Richins murder trial anticipates calling its final witness early next week, indicating they are close to resting their case. Nearly 40 witnesses have testified so far in the trial where Richins faces charges related to her husband Eric Richins' 2022 death.

  14. Kouri Richins employee testifies Richins said it would be better if husband Eric was dead

    An employee of Eric Richins' company testified that Kouri Richins stated two and a half months before her husband's death that "in many ways it would be better if Eric was dead." The witness, Becky Lloyd, recalled the statement during a conversation on December 17, 2021, where Richins discussed marriage problems and fear of losing her children.

  15. Kouri Richins' friend and paramour testify about affair, mansion, and murder question

    Kouri Richins' friend Allie Staking testified that Richins claimed to have ended an affair nine months before her husband's death. Richins' paramour Robert Grossman detailed private conversations and text exchanges, including Richins' suggestion of acquiring a mansion the day after her husband's death. Grossman also testified that Richins asked him if he had ever killed anyone after her husband's death.

  16. Kouri Richins' Boyfriend Testifies in Murder Trial, Defense Seeks Mistrial

    During the eighth day of Kouri Richins' murder trial on March 4, 2026, her boyfriend, Robert Josh Grossman, testified about their relationship and text messages exchanged before and after her husband Eric Richins' death. Prosecutors allege Richins fatally poisoned her husband, while the defense requested a mistrial due to undisclosed text messages between another witness and the supervising officer.

  17. Forensic Accountant Testifies Kouri Richins Faced Significant Debt Before Husband's Death

    On the eighth day of Kouri Richins' murder trial, a forensic accountant testified that Richins and her real estate business were facing significant debt before her husband's death. The prosecution is presenting evidence of financial distress as part of their case.

  18. Kouri Richins' phone searches for deleting messages, white-collar crime, and life insurance revealed

    On the seventh day of Kouri Richins' murder trial, prosecutors presented testimony from an investigator who analyzed her phone. Searches on Richins' phone shortly after her husband's death included topics like remotely deleting messages, how law enforcement handles electronics, white-collar crimes, and information about life insurance policies.

  19. Kouri Richins' phone data, drug texts, and jail searches presented at murder trial

    On the sixth day of the Kouri Richins murder trial, jurors heard testimony about data from her phone, including searches for deleting messages and information about jails. A digital forensics analyst presented evidence of text messages exchanged with a woman who testified to providing her with drugs. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, on March 4, 2022.

  20. Judge denies Kouri Richins' mistrial request after witness mentions 'jail calls'

    A judge denied Kouri Richins' attorneys' request for a mistrial on March 2, 2026, after a witness referred to "jail calls" during testimony. The judge ruled the comment was improper but inadvertent and instructed jurors not to consider custody status. Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband Eric Richins in 2022, has been held in jail since May 2023.

February 2026 20 developments

  1. Kouri Richins Trial: Digital Forensics Expert, Immunity Witness Testify on Day Five

    On the fifth day of the Kouri Richins murder trial, a digital forensics expert testified about cell phone data extraction, and a witness provided testimony under grants of immunity regarding drug transactions. The trial continues with further witness testimonies.

  2. Housekeeper Testifies to Supplying Fentanyl to Kouri Richins Before Husband's Death

    During the first week of the Kouri Richins murder trial, a housekeeper testified that she obtained fentanyl for Richins on four occasions, three before her husband's death. Conflicting testimony emerged from alleged drug dealers, with one claiming to have sold oxycodone while the housekeeper stated she bought fentanyl. The jury also heard body camera footage of Richins suggesting her husband took a THC edible before bed on the night he died.

  3. Housekeeper testifies to supplying fentanyl to Kouri Richins before husband's death

    A housekeeper testified that she obtained fentanyl for Kouri Richins on four occasions, three of which were before Eric Richins' death. Forensic tests revealed Eric Richins had five times a lethal dose of fentanyl in his system. Richins is charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder.

  4. Kouri Richins' defense argues prosecutors cannot prove she killed husband

    During the Kouri Richins murder trial, her defense attorneys argued that prosecutors cannot definitively prove she killed her husband, Eric Richins, who died of a fentanyl overdose. Defense attorney Kathy Nester told the jury that while prosecutors will present reasons why Kouri might have wanted her husband dead, they cannot show that she actually committed the act. The prosecution contends that Richins poisoned her husband with a lethal amount of fentanyl.

  5. CSI technician testifies on evidence collected at Kouri Richins' home

    Crime scene investigation technician Chelsea Gipson testified on February 25, 2026, about evidence collected at Kouri Richins' home, including prescription bottles, phones, THC edibles, and tweezers. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl and is also charged with attempted poisoning.

  6. Medical Examiner Testifies in Kouri Richins Trial, Citing Eric Richins' Autopsy Findings

    On the second day of Kouri Richins' murder trial, February 24, 2026, the medical examiner testified that Eric Richins' autopsy showed no signs of injury but revealed early coronary artery disease and pulmonary edema. First responders also testified about their observations at the scene.

  7. Kouri Richins murder trial begins for alleged poisoning of husband Eric Richins

    The murder trial for Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband Eric Richins, commenced on February 23, 2026. Prosecutors contend Richins murdered her husband for financial gain, citing over $4.5 million in debt and her alleged desire for his $4 million estate, presenting evidence of her accessing memes about money shortly after his death and messages to a boyfriend. Defense attorneys argued that the prosecution's evidence is circumstantial and that there is no definitive proof.

  8. Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins administered lethal fentanyl dose to husband

    Prosecutors portrayed Kouri Richins as a "money-hungry killer" on the first day of her husband's murder trial, alleging she administered a lethal dose of fentanyl. On the second day, first responders and the medical examiner testified, with the autopsy revealing 15 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl in the victim's body, considered a toxic amount.

  9. Kouri Richins murder trial begins for allegedly poisoning husband with fentanyl

    The murder trial for Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl in March 2022, began on February 23, 2026. Prosecutors allege Richins administered a lethal dose in a Moscow mule cocktail and also attempted to poison him a month earlier with a fentanyl-laced sandwich, acting for financial gain and involvement with another man.

  10. Kouri Richins' murder trial for husband's fentanyl poisoning set for February 2026

    Kouri Richins' five-week murder trial, where she is accused of fatally poisoning her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl in March 2022, is scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026, and run until March 27, 2026. A jury has been selected, and opening statements are expected on Monday. The prosecution alleges she administered a lethal dose of fentanyl, while her defense team has raised concerns about evidence admissibility.

  11. Kouri Richins' murder trial for alleged fentanyl poisoning of husband set for 2026

    Kouri Richins' murder trial is set to begin on February 23, 2026, with prosecutors alleging she poisoned her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl in a Moscow mule cocktail. She faces nearly three dozen counts, including aggravated murder, and her children's book about grief is being used as evidence. Her defense has raised concerns about witness harassment.

  12. Kouri Richins' Murder Trial Set for 2026, Evidence Rulings Made

    Kouri Richins' murder trial is set to begin on February 23, 2026, with a jury of eight Summit County residents and four alternates selected. A ruling on February 18, 2026, determined which evidence will be admissible, including a notebook detailing her husband's death and evidence of alleged abuse and drug use, though evidence of his high school drug use was barred. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl in March 2022.

  13. Jury Selected for Kouri Richins' Murder Trial in Husband's Fentanyl Poisoning

    A jury has been selected for Kouri Richins' murder trial, which is set to begin on February 23, 2026. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl in March 2022. Her attorneys' requests to move the trial were denied.

  14. Judge denies Kouri Richins' second request to move murder trial out of Summit County

    A judge has denied Kouri Richins' second request to move her murder trial out of Summit County. As her trial approaches, the prosecution faces challenges, including a key witness recanting a statement about selling fentanyl and the lack of recovered fentanyl.

  15. Kouri Richins' attorneys allege witness intimidation by prosecutors ahead of murder trial

    Attorneys for Kouri Richins, accused of murdering her husband, are alleging that prosecutors are intimidating witnesses. This accusation is part of the ongoing legal battle as her murder trial approaches. The defense also points to a lack of recovered fentanyl and a key witness's recantation as weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

  16. Kouri Richins Pleads Not Guilty to Husband's Murder

    Kouri Richins has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges of murdering her husband, Eric Richins, by poisoning him with a fentanyl-laced cocktail in March 2022. Prosecutors allege she attempted to poison him earlier on Valentine's Day with the motive of collecting life insurance proceeds. This formal plea is a new development in the ongoing legal proceedings.

  17. Judge Mrazik denies Kouri Richins' second motion to move murder trial

    Judge Richard Mrazik has denied Kouri Richins' second motion to move her murder trial from Summit County to Salt Lake County. This decision comes as jury selection is scheduled to begin on February 10th, with the trial slated to start on February 23rd.

  18. Kouri Richins' Attorneys Seek Trial Relocation, Allege Witness Intimidation

    Attorneys for Kouri Richins are again seeking to move her murder trial out of Summit County, arguing that widespread familiarity with the case among potential jurors makes an impartial trial unlikely. Defense attorneys also allege that prosecutors are intimidating witnesses.

January 2026 9 developments

  1. Judge severs fraud charges, bars expert testimony in Kouri Richins murder case

    In pre-trial rulings for the Kouri Richins murder case, a judge has severed fraud and forgery charges from the main murder trial and has also barred a domestic violence expert from testifying. The defense continues to allege that investigators harassed witnesses who are expected to testify in the upcoming trial.

  2. Judge limits FBI profiler testimony, rules on evidence in Kouri Richins case

    The defense alleged that Kouri Richins' sister-in-law paid witnesses. Separately, a judge limited the testimony of an FBI profiler and made rulings on the admissibility of a 'Walk The Dog' letter, the defendant's interview statements and email, and jail calls/text messages.

  3. Judge bars domestic violence expert testimony, closes hearings in Richins case

    A judge ruled that a domestic violence expert will not testify for now, based on a lack of evidence that Eric Richins knew he had been poisoned. The court also ordered that upcoming evidentiary hearings would be closed to the public.

  4. Judge Issues Key Evidentiary Rulings in Kouri Richins Case

    A judge issued key evidentiary rulings, limiting the prosecution's use of a behavioral threat assessment expert in their initial case and ruling on the admissibility of evidence including Kouri Richins' notebook and Eric Richins' high school drug use.

October 2025 2 developments

  1. Richins' Defense Seeks Release, Citing Witness Recantation and Withheld Information

    Richins' defense team files a motion seeking her release from jail, asserting that a key witness, Robert Crozier, recanted his statement about supplying fentanyl, and accusing prosecutors of withholding this information.

June 2025 1 developments

April 2025 1 developments

  1. Kouri Richins' Murder Trial Delayed Indefinitely Amid Jury Selection Dispute

    The murder trial for Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband, was delayed indefinitely in April 2025. This delay was granted to allow defense attorneys to argue for seating a jury from Salt Lake County due to concerns about impartiality from extensive media coverage. The judge ruled to keep the trial in Summit County with Summit County jurors, but the defense intends to appeal.

March 2024 3 developments

  1. Kouri Richins' defense files mistrial motion, judge denies directed verdict, Richins waives testimony

    In the Kouri Richins murder trial, the defense has filed a motion for a mistrial, questioning the credibility of a housekeeper who testified to purchasing fentanyl at Richins' request. The judge denied the defense's motion for a directed verdict, and Richins has waived her right to testify.

  2. Kouri Richins Waives Right to Testify as Both Sides Rest in Murder Trial

    In the Kouri Richins murder trial, both the prosecution and defense have rested their cases. Kouri Richins has waived her right to testify, and the defense has opted not to call any witnesses. The lead investigator, Detective Jeff O'Driscoll, was the final witness for the prosecution.

September 2023 1 developments

May 2023 1 developments

March 2022 1 developments