Kouri Richins murder conviction and appeal
Kouri Richins, convicted of murdering her husband Eric Richins, filed a motion for a new trial on July 2, 2026, alleging judicial bias and prosecutorial misconduct, leading the presiding judge to recuse himself. As of July 2, 2026, Richins is appealing her aggravated murder conviction and seeking a new trial after being sentenced to life in prison without parole on May 13, 2026. The key witness who supplied the fentanyl, Robert Crozier, was arrested on June 17, 2026, on new felony charges including enticing a minor. Richins was found guilty on March 16, 2026, of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery, and two counts of insurance fraud.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 3 developments
Judge Denies Disqualification Request in Kouri Richins Fraud Case; New Hearing Set
A request to disqualify the trial judge in Kouri Richins' fraud cases was denied on July 31, 2026. Richins faces additional charges including mortgage fraud, forgery, and money laundering, with a hearing scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Judge recuses himself from Kouri Richins' new trial motion
The judge who presided over Kouri Richins' murder trial has recused himself from ruling on her motion for a new trial. This follows accusations of witness intimidation made by Richins' legal team prior to her trial. Richins was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of her husband, Eric Richins.
Kouri Richins Files Motion for New Trial Citing Judicial Bias and Prosecutorial Misconduct
Kouri Richins, convicted of murdering her husband, has filed a motion seeking a new trial, alleging judicial bias and prosecutorial misconduct. Her legal team argues the judge favored the prosecution and that evidence regarding her financial dealings deprived her of an impartial trial. This filing represents a new legal step in her post-conviction process.
June 2026 — 4 developments
Key witness in Kouri Richins murder trial arrested on new felony charges
Robert Crozier, the key witness who supplied the fentanyl used in Eric Richins' murder, was arrested on June 17, 2026, on felony charges including enticing a minor and distributing harmful material to a minor. This arrest followed an undercover sting operation. Crozier's initial court appearance for these new charges is scheduled for June 29, 2026.
Kouri Richins appeals murder conviction, case moves to Utah Court of Appeals
Kouri Richins has appealed her aggravated murder conviction, and the Utah Court of Appeals will review the case for procedural errors. This appeal follows her conviction for poisoning her husband with fentanyl and her subsequent life sentence without parole.
Kouri Richins forfeits husband's estate rights following murder conviction and sentencing
Kouri Richins forfeits her rights to her husband Eric Richins' estate under Utah's 'slayer statute,' a civil court ruled on May 12, 2026. This follows her sentencing to life in prison without parole on May 13, 2026, for his murder.
Kouri Richins Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Husband's Murder
Kouri Richins was sentenced to life in prison without parole on May 13, 2026, for the murder of her husband, Eric Richins, on what would have been his 44th birthday. Her sons expressed fear of her during the sentencing, and the judge deemed her too dangerous to be free. Richins maintains her innocence and plans to appeal.
May 2026 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins sentenced to life without parole for husband's fentanyl poisoning murder
Kouri Richins has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of her husband, Eric Richins. She was found guilty of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery. The prosecution argued Richins poisoned her husband for financial gain, presenting evidence including text messages and testimony from a former housekeeper.
April 2026 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins' Sentencing Postponed to 2026 Amid New Trial Motion and Gag Order Request
Kouri Richins' sentencing has been postponed for a third time to July 12, 2026, as her defense team prepares to file a motion for a new trial and has requested a gag order on prosecutors, alleging misconduct. Richins was found guilty of aggravated murder in the death of her husband on March 16, 2026.
March 2026 — 20 developments
Kouri Richins murder trial: Jury member reveals new details on drug testing and texts
A jury member in the Kouri Richins murder trial revealed new details, including information about drug testing at the home and testimony from an undercover officer. Text messages also indicated Richins had requested fentanyl.
Kouri Richins found guilty of aggravated murder and other charges in husband's fentanyl death
A Summit County jury found Kouri Richins guilty of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery, and two counts of insurance fraud in the 2022 fentanyl poisoning death of her husband, Eric Richins. Richins now faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for May 13, 2026.
Kouri Richins found guilty of aggravated murder in husband's fentanyl poisoning death
Kouri Richins has been found guilty of aggravated murder in the poisoning death of her husband, Eric Richins. A jury delivered the verdict on March 16, 2026, after deliberating for approximately three hours. Richins was accused of fatally poisoning her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl in a Moscow Mule cocktail served in March 2022.
Prosecution rests case in Kouri Richins murder trial
The prosecution has rested its case in the Kouri Richins murder trial. Prosecutors allege Richins poisoned her husband with fentanyl in March 2022, after a failed attempt on Valentine's Day. The defense is set to begin its case, arguing insufficient evidence and questioning witness credibility.
Investigator testifies about letter and journal entry in Kouri Richins murder trial
The lead investigator in the Kouri Richins murder trial testified about a letter found in Richins' jail cell and a journal entry detailing the night her husband died. Prosecutors argue the letter, which allegedly outlined a plan for her mother and brother to falsely testify that Eric Richins obtained pain pills from Mexico, constitutes witness tampering. The journal entry from the night her husband died was also presented.
Kouri Richins Murder Trial Faces Delays as Attorneys Resolve Motions, Detective to Testify
The Kouri Richins murder trial is ongoing, with the lead detective, Jeff O'Driscoll, scheduled to testify. Attorneys are working to resolve motions, causing delays in the proceedings. Previous developments include prosecutors accusing Richins of witness tampering via a jail cell letter and her facing additional charges for fraud and money laundering.
Kouri Richins Murder Trial Closing Arguments Set for March 2026 Amid Witness Intimidation Claims
Closing arguments in the Kouri Richins murder trial are scheduled for March 17, 2026, as the prosecution alleges she poisoned her husband with fentanyl. The defense has accused prosecutors of witness intimidation, citing alleged communications with witnesses and a letter found in Richins' jail cell.
Kouri Richins Murder Trial: Prosecutors Present Final Witnesses, Business Partner Testifies
The third week of Kouri Richins' murder trial began on March 9, 2026, with prosecutors presenting their final witnesses. Eric Richins' business partner testified that Eric never used drugs and sounded fearful during a Valentine's Day call, which was around the time prosecutors allege Richins attempted to poison him. Prosecutors have one final witness to call.
Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins attempted to poison husband with fentanyl-laced sandwich
Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins attempted to poison her husband with a fentanyl-laced sandwich a month before his death and that she presented her 'life story' as evidence in her murder trial. The prosecution also indicated it is nearing the end of its case, with testimony ongoing regarding financial motives and the alleged administration of a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Kouri Richins Employee Testifies She Said 'It Would Be Better If Eric Was Dead'
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, an employee of Eric Richins' company testified that Kouri Richins stated on December 17, 2021, that 'in many ways it would be better if Eric was dead.' The testimony also described a conversation about marriage problems and fears of losing children in a divorce. Richins is charged with aggravated murder and other financial crimes.
Witnesses Testify Kouri Richins Sought Fentanyl, Discussed Killing Husband
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, witnesses testified about obtaining fentanyl for Richins on multiple occasions, including before her husband's death. Her former lover also detailed private conversations where Richins inquired about killing and marriage prospects. The defense highlighted potential investigative gaps, such as the failure to test biological samples for long-term fentanyl use.
Kouri Richins' former lover testifies, internet searches for 'luxury prisons' revealed
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, her former lover testified that Richins asked him if he had ever killed anyone, and text messages showed declarations of love between them. Prosecutors also presented internet searches from Richins' phone, including queries about "luxury prisons for the rich in America" and how poison deaths are recorded on death certificates. Testimony revealed her business was collapsing and she owed approximately $7.5 million.
Housekeeper testifies she supplied fentanyl to Kouri Richins before husband's death
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, a housekeeper testified that she obtained fentanyl for Richins on four occasions, three before her husband's death. Richins' former lover also testified about text messages, including one where Richins wrote, "If he could just go away and you could just be here! Life would be so perfect!!!" The trial also revealed Richins' business was collapsing and she owed approximately $7.5 million.
Kouri Richins' Deleted Texts With Housekeeper Revealed in Murder Trial
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, jurors were shown evidence that Richins deleted hundreds of text messages with a housekeeper who allegedly provided fentanyl. A digital forensics expert presented data on the deleted messages. The defense also highlighted potential investigative gaps, including the failure to perform crucial tests on biological samples that could have determined the victim's long-term fentanyl use.
Prosecutors present financial motive, phone data in Kouri Richins murder trial
During Kouri Richins' murder trial, prosecutors presented evidence including phone data, call logs, and location information to establish her whereabouts and communications before her husband's death. Testimony revealed her significant financial struggles, with prosecutors contending her motive was tied to her failing real estate business, K Richins Realty, which she allegedly funded by taking out a $250,000 home equity line of credit using her husband's power of attorney without his knowledge.
Kouri Richins' Boyfriend Testifies She Claimed Fentanyl Poisoning, Asked About Killing
During Day 8 of the Kouri Richins murder trial, testimony was heard from Richins' boyfriend at the time of her husband's death. He recounted conversations and text messages, including allegations that Richins stated her husband died of fentanyl poisoning and inquired about killing people while serving in Iraq. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, in 2022.
Forensic Accountant Testifies Kouri Richins Had $3.8 Million Debt at Time of Husband's Death
During the seventh day of Kouri Richins' murder trial, a forensic accountant testified that Richins had a significant debt of $3.8 million around the time of her husband's death. The accountant detailed Richins' negative net worth and her purchase of a mansion.
Investigator testifies Kouri Richins searched for deleting messages and law enforcement info
On the seventh day of Kouri Richins' murder trial, an investigator testified about analyzing her phone, detailing searches for remotely deleting messages and information about law enforcement. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl in March 2022.
Judge denies Kouri Richins' mistrial request; phone data and drug texts presented
On March 2, 2026, a judge denied Kouri Richins' attorneys' request for a mistrial after a witness referred to 'jail calls.' Jurors also heard testimony about data from Richins' phone, including searches for deleting messages and prisons, and numerous texts with a woman who testified about providing her drugs. The trial, which began on February 23, 2026, is ongoing.
Kouri Richins' murder trial hears testimony on her phone data, including memes, from morning husband died
During the sixth day of Kouri Richins' murder trial on March 2, 2026, jurors heard testimony about data from her phone. A former officer stated Richins accessed memes, including one with Donald Trump saying "I'm really rich," around 8:30 a.m. on the morning her husband died.
February 2026 — 14 developments
Witness Carmen Lauber testifies she provided fentanyl to Kouri Richins multiple times
On February 27, 2026, witness Carmen Lauber testified that she provided fentanyl to Kouri Richins on multiple occasions, including requests for 'something stronger' in early and late February 2022, and after Eric Richins' death. Lauber stated she felt compelled to cooperate after learning Eric Richins died from an overdose. Defense attorneys questioned Lauber's memory and consistency.
Housekeeper testifies Kouri Richins obtained fentanyl before husband's death
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, a housekeeper testified to obtaining fentanyl for Richins on four occasions, three before her husband's death. Richins allegedly told the housekeeper that her husband died from a brain aneurysm, despite the housekeeper's suspicion that the pills contributed to his death. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Richins claimed false insurance benefits after her husband's death.
Former housekeeper testifies she obtained fentanyl for Kouri Richins multiple times before husband's death
During the Kouri Richins murder trial, a former housekeeper testified that she obtained fentanyl for Richins on four occasions, three of which were before the death of Richins' husband, Eric. Forensic tests indicated Eric Richins had five times a lethal dose of fentanyl in his system when he died in March 2022. The housekeeper became emotional on the stand, recounting a call with Kouri Richins after Eric's death.
Kouri Richins' Murder Trial Continues with First Responder and Medical Examiner Testimony
The second day of Kouri Richins' murder trial on February 24, 2026, featured testimony from first responders and medical examiners discussing autopsy findings. Prosecutors allege Richins poisoned her husband with fentanyl to gain financially, while the defense questions the evidence presented.
Kouri Richins Accused of Fatally Poisoning Husband with Fentanyl for Financial Gain
Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins fatally poisoned her husband with five times a lethal dose of fentanyl slipped into a Moscow mule cocktail, aiming to gain his money. Testimony from her boyfriend revealed communications about their relationship and her inquiries into killing, while a housekeeper testified to obtaining fentanyl for Richins on multiple occasions before the husband's death.
Kouri Richins faces new charges including money laundering, forgery, and witness tampering
Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl, faces new charges including felony money laundering, forgery, and witness tampering. The prosecution claims she was motivated by $4.5 million in debt and believed she would inherit her husband's estate. New details reveal she allegedly attempted to poison him a month prior with a fentanyl-laced sandwich and instructed her brother to lie in a letter found in her jail cell.
Kouri Richins allegedly poisoned husband with fentanyl for money, prosecutors say
Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins, a Utah mother and children's book author, fatally poisoned her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl in a Moscow mule cocktail to gain his money. The prosecution also claims she attempted to poison him a month earlier with a fentanyl-laced sandwich. Richins faces charges for aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery.
Kouri Richins' Murder Trial Begins; Prosecutors Allege She Poisoned Husband for Financial Gain
Kouri Richins' murder trial commenced with opening statements on February 23, 2026. Prosecutors allege Richins fatally poisoned her husband, Eric Richins, with a lethal dose of fentanyl slipped into a Moscow mule cocktail in March 2022. The prosecution claims Richins was motivated by significant debt and the belief she would financially benefit from his death, also alleging she was having an affair.
Kouri Richins Murder Trial Begins for Alleged Fentanyl Poisoning of Husband
Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband with a fentanyl-laced cocktail, began her murder trial on February 21, 2026. Prosecutors allege she was motivated by debt and an affair, and she faces nearly three dozen counts including aggravated murder and financial crimes. The trial is expected to last a month.
Jury Selection Begins for Kouri Richins in Fentanyl Poisoning Trial
Jury selection has commenced for Kouri Richins, who is accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl in 2022. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial is expected to proceed with jury selection beginning today.
Jury selected for Kouri Richins' murder trial; proceedings to begin February 2026
Jury selection for Kouri Richins' murder trial has concluded, with a panel of eight jurors and four alternates selected. The trial is scheduled to commence on February 23, 2026, in Summit County, Utah. Richins is accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl in March 2022.
Kouri Richins faces 26 new charges, including mortgage fraud and money laundering
Kouri Richins, accused of poisoning her husband with fentanyl, now faces 26 new charges including mortgage fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors also allege an earlier attempted murder charge for drugging him on Valentine's Day. A key witness has recanted his statement, impacting the prosecution's case.
Kouri Richins' Attorneys Again Seek Trial Relocation from Summit County
Attorneys for Kouri Richins are again requesting to move her murder trial out of Summit County. They argue that jury questionnaire responses show approximately 85% of respondents recognized the case, indicating widespread familiarity that could prejudice a fair trial.
Judge denies second request to move Kouri Richins' murder trial out of Summit County
A judge has denied a second request to move Kouri Richins' murder trial out of Summit County, with jury selection still scheduled to begin on February 10, 2026, and the trial starting on February 23. The defense's argument for moving the trial was based on the county's close-knit nature.
January 2026 — 9 developments
Kouri Richins' Attorneys Accuse Prosecutors of Witness Intimidation
Attorneys for Kouri Richins, accused of poisoning her husband, have filed a motion accusing the prosecution team of witness intimidation. The defense is requesting that a judge order prosecutors to provide all communications with trial witnesses.
Kouri Richins' Murder Trial Rescheduled to 2026 for Jury Location Appeal
Kouri Richins' murder trial has been rescheduled to begin in February 2026 and is now expected to last five weeks. This delay was granted to allow the defense to appeal to the Utah Supreme Court regarding the jury's location.
Defense Attorneys Allege Witness Intimidation by Prosecution, Request Communications
Defense attorneys file a motion alleging witness intimidation by the prosecution and request all communications between witnesses and prosecutors.
Kouri Richins granted new attorneys under indigent defense after jail statements released
Kouri Richins has been granted new attorneys to represent her under 'indigent defense', a significant change in her legal representation. This development occurred shortly after the release of her recorded statements from jail.
Court discusses admissibility of 'Walk the Dog' letter found in Kouri Richins' jail cell
Court proceedings included discussions regarding the admissibility of a letter, referred to as the 'Walk the Dog' letter, which was reportedly found in Kouri Richins' jail cell.
Judge Mrazik Severs Financial Crimes from Kouri Richins' Murder Trial
Judge Richard Mrazik ruled on January 14, 2026, that alleged financial crimes must be severed from Kouri Richins' murder trial, meaning the jury will not hear about these charges. This ruling fundamentally alters the scope of the upcoming trial.
Judge limits expert testimony in murder case, citing lack of non-speculative evidence
A judge ruled to limit expert testimony in the murder case, specifically regarding a domestic violence expert, citing a lack of non-speculative evidence that the victim knew he had been poisoned during a prior attempt.
Judge rules on evidence admissibility for Kouri Richins' trial, including 'orange notebook' excerpts
A judge has issued rulings on the admissibility of various evidence for Kouri Richins' trial, including excerpts from an "orange notebook" reportedly containing her account of her husband's death. The court will decide on other evidence during the trial.
Judge denies Kouri Richins' request for mother's counsel, rejects severing financial charges
A judge denied Kouri Richins' request to appoint counsel for her mother and also denied prosecutors' motion to reconsider severing financial crime charges from the murder trial.
October 2025 — 5 developments
Defense requests new bail hearing, state files motion to prevent Richins from contacting family
The defense requested a new bail hearing after a key witness recanted a fentanyl claim, and the state filed a motion to prevent Richins from contacting her mother and brother.
Kouri Richins' Defense Alleges Sister-in-Law May Have Paid Witnesses
Kouri Richins' defense attorneys alleged in October 2025 that her late husband's sister, Katie Richins-Benson, may have paid witnesses in the murder case. The defense is demanding full financial transparency from Eric Richins' estate.
Prosecutors separate financial crimes from murder case, creating new 26-count case
Prosecutors amended charging documents by October 12, 2025, to separate financial crimes from the murder case, having rolled them into a new 26-count case in June 2025.
Robert Croer changes story, impacting fentanyl prosecution case
Robert Croer, an alleged drug dealer identified as the source of fentanyl, changes his story, impacting the prosecution's case.
Kouri Richins' Attorneys File Third Bail Request, Citing New Evidence on Drug Sale
Kouri Richins' attorneys filed a third request for bail, citing new evidence that the man who allegedly sold fentanyl to her housekeeper now states he sold OxyContin instead.
August 2025 — 1 developments
Judge orders prosecutors to provide witness list and exhibits to defense
During a pretrial conference, the judge orders prosecutors to provide a draft witness list and exhibits to the defense to manage the extensive volume of discovery evidence (11 terabytes).
July 2025 — 2 developments
Kouri Richins faces new witness tampering charges, attorneys seek to disqualify prosecution team
Kouri Richins is facing new charges for witness tampering after prosecutors alleged she attempted to instruct her mother through a letter. Her attorneys also sought to disqualify the Summit County prosecution team, alleging improper use of privileged communications.
Kouri Richins faces 26 new charges, including mortgage fraud and money laundering
Kouri Richins is facing 26 new charges, including mortgage fraud, money laundering, and forgery, filed on July 1, 2025. Prosecutors allege these financial crimes demonstrate a motive for her husband's death.
February 2025 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins' Defense Accuses Prosecutors of 'Shockingly False Allegation'
Kouri Richins' defense attorneys accused prosecutors of violating professional conduct rules by making a 'shockingly false allegation' in a February 2025 filing. This accusation is distinct from later claims of witness intimidation.
December 2024 — 1 developments
Deceased Handyman Claimed Kouri Richins Asked for Fentanyl, Propofol Before Husband's Death
New evidence revealed that a deceased handyman, William Hayden Jeffs, claimed Kouri Richins asked him for fentanyl and propofol weeks before her husband's death. Jeffs had provided text messages to investigators corroborating his account.
November 2024 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins sought fentanyl from multiple sources before husband's death
New evidence claims that Kouri Richins sought fentanyl from multiple sources, including her housekeeper and a handyman, in the weeks leading up to her husband Eric Richins' death. Richins is accused of poisoning her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl.
March 2024 — 2 developments
Kouri Richins faces new charges for alleged earlier attempt to kill husband
Kouri Richins now faces new charges alleging an earlier attempt to kill her husband, preceding the fatal poisoning. Prosecutors detail months leading up to Eric Richins' death, including secret financial arrangements and illicit drug acquisition by Kouri.
Kouri Richins' Defense Rests Without Witnesses in Murder Trial
In the Kouri Richins murder trial, the defense unexpectedly rested its case on March 4, 2024, without presenting any witnesses. Kouri Richins also waived her right to testify. This development occurred after the prosecution presented its evidence, including text messages, internet search history, and testimony from Eric Richins' former housekeeper.
September 2023 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins Accused of Witness Tampering from Jail Cell
Kouri Richins, who is charged with killing her husband, has been accused of witness tampering from her Utah jail cell. Prosecutors allege she wrote a letter instructing her mother to have her brother falsely testify that her husband obtained fentanyl from Mexico. This alleged plot was discovered when deputies searched Richins' cell.
June 2023 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins Denied Bail in First Court Appearance, Remains in Custody
Kouri Richins makes her first court appearance and is denied bail, remaining in custody.
May 2023 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins arrested, charged with aggravated murder and drug possession
Kouri Richins is arrested and charged with aggravated murder and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
March 2023 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins self-publishes children's grief book "Are You With Me?"
Kouri Richins self-publishes a children's book titled "Are You With Me?", aimed at helping children cope with grief after losing a loved one.
March 2022 — 1 developments
Eric Richins found dead from lethal fentanyl dose; Kouri Richins claims she found him unresponsive
Eric Richins is found dead in his home, with Kouri Richins claiming she found him unresponsive. An autopsy later reveals a lethal dose of fentanyl.
February 2022 — 1 developments
Kouri Richins allegedly attempts to poison husband Eric Richins on Valentine's Day
Kouri Richins allegedly attempts to poison her husband, Eric Richins, on Valentine's Day.