Kouri Richins murder trial

Developing StoryLast updated APR 21
SUMMARY

Kouri Richins, who was found guilty of aggravated murder in the 2022 fentanyl poisoning death of her husband, Eric Richins, on March 16, 2026, in Summit County, Utah, has had her sentencing postponed for a third time to July 12, 2026. As of April 19, 2026: Richins' defense team is preparing to file a motion for a new trial and has requested a gag order on prosecutors, alleging misconduct. A jury found Richins guilty of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery, and two counts of insurance fraud, with the verdict delivered after approximately three hours of deliberation. Richins faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, following allegations she fatally poisoned her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl in a Moscow Mule cocktail.

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April 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Kouri Richins' sentencing has been postponed for a third time to July 12, 2026, as her defense team …

    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 — 19 developments

  1. A Summit County jury found Kouri Richins guilty of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, f…

    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.

  2. Kouri Richins has been found guilty of aggravated murder in the poisoning death of her husband, Eric Richins.

    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.

  3. The prosecution has rested its case in the 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.

  4. 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.

    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.

  5. The Kouri Richins murder trial is ongoing, with the lead detective, Jeff O'Driscoll, scheduled 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.

  6. Closing arguments in the Kouri Richins murder trial are scheduled for March 17, 2026, as the prosecution alleges she poisoned her husband with fentanyl.

    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.

  7. The third week of Kouri Richins' murder trial began on March 9, 2026, with prosecutors presenting their final witnesses.

    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.

  8. Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins attempted to poison her husband with a fentanyl-laced sandwich a mo…

    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.

  9. During the Kouri Richins murder trial, an employee of Eric Richins' company testified that Kouri Ric…

    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.

  10. During the Kouri Richins murder trial, witnesses testified about obtaining fentanyl for Richins on multiple occasions, including before her husband's death.

    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.

  11. 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.

    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.

  12. During the Kouri Richins murder trial, a housekeeper testified that she obtained fentanyl for Richins on four occasions, three before her 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.

  13. During Kouri Richins' murder trial, jurors were shown evidence that Richins deleted hundreds of text messages with a housekeeper who allegedly provided fentanyl.

    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.

  14. During Kouri Richins' murder trial, prosecutors presented evidence including phone data, call logs, …

    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.

  15. During Day 8 of the Kouri Richins murder trial, testimony was heard from Richins' boyfriend at the time of her husband's death.

    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.

  16. During the seventh day of Kouri Richins' murder trial, a forensic accountant testified that Richins had a significant debt of $3.

    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.

  17. On the seventh day of Kouri Richins' murder trial, an investigator testified about analyzing her pho…

    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.

  18. On March 2, 2026, a judge denied Kouri Richins' attorneys' request for a mistrial after a witness referred to 'jail calls.

    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.

  19. During the sixth day of Kouri Richins' murder trial on March 2, 2026, jurors heard testimony about data from her phone.

    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

  1. On February 27, 2026, witness Carmen Lauber testified that she provided fentanyl to Kouri Richins on…

    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.

  2. During the Kouri Richins murder trial, a housekeeper testified to obtaining fentanyl for Richins on four occasions, three before her 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.

  3. During the Kouri Richins murder trial, a former housekeeper testified that she obtained fentanyl for…

    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.

  4. The second day of Kouri Richins' murder trial on February 24, 2026, featured testimony from first responders and medical examiners discussing autopsy findings.

    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.

  5. 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.

    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.

  6. Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl, faces new charges including felony 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.

  7. 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.

    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.

  8. Kouri Richins' murder trial commenced with opening statements on February 23, 2026.

    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.

  9. Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband with a fentanyl-laced cocktail, began her murder trial on February 21, 2026.

    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.

  10. Jury selection has commenced for Kouri Richins, who is accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl in 2022.

    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.

  11. Jury selection for Kouri Richins' murder trial has concluded, with a panel of eight jurors and four alternates selected.

    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.

  12. Kouri Richins, accused of poisoning her husband with fentanyl, now 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.

  13. Attorneys for Kouri Richins are again requesting to move her murder trial out of 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.

  14. A judge has denied a second request to move Kouri Richins' murder trial out of Summit County, with j…

    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

  1. Attorneys for Kouri Richins, accused of poisoning her husband, have filed a motion accusing the prosecution team 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.

  2. Kouri Richins' murder trial has been rescheduled to begin in February 2026 and is now expected to last five weeks.

    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.

  3. Defense attorneys file a motion alleging witness intimidation by the prosecution and request all communications between witnesses and prosecutors.

    Defense attorneys file a motion alleging witness intimidation by the prosecution and request all communications between witnesses and prosecutors.

  4. Kouri Richins has been granted new attorneys to represent her under 'indigent defense', a significant change in her legal representation.

    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.

  5. 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.

    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.

  6. 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.

    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.

  7. A judge ruled to limit expert testimony in the murder case, specifically regarding a domestic violen…

    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.

  8. A judge has issued rulings on the admissibility of various evidence for Kouri Richins' trial, includ…

    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.

  9. 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.

    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

  1. 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.

    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.

  2. 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.

    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.

  3. 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.

    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.

  4. Robert Croer, an alleged drug dealer identified as the source of fentanyl, changes his story, impacting the prosecution's case.

    Robert Croer, an alleged drug dealer identified as the source of fentanyl, changes his story, impacting the prosecution's case.

  5. 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.

    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

  1. During a pretrial conference, the judge orders prosecutors to provide a draft witness list and exhib…

    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

  1. Kouri Richins is facing new charges for witness tampering after prosecutors alleged she attempted to instruct her mother through a letter.

    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.

  2. Kouri Richins is facing 26 new charges, including mortgage fraud, money laundering, and forgery, filed on July 1, 2025.

    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

  1. Kouri Richins' defense attorneys accused prosecutors of violating professional conduct rules by making a 'shockingly false allegation' in a February 2025 filing.

    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

  1. 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.

    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

  1. 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.

    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

  1. Kouri Richins now faces new charges alleging an earlier attempt to kill her husband, preceding the fatal poisoning.

    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.

  2. In the Kouri Richins murder trial, the defense unexpectedly rested its case on March 4, 2024, without presenting any witnesses.

    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

  1. Kouri Richins, who is charged with killing her husband, has been accused of witness tampering from her Utah 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

May 2023 — 1 developments

  1. Kouri Richins is arrested and charged with aggravated murder and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

    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

  1. Kouri Richins self-publishes a children's book titled "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

  1. Eric Richins is found dead in his home, with Kouri Richins claiming 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