A Utah mother of three who authored a children's book on grief after her husband's sudden death has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for his murder. Kouri Richins, 35, was convicted of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a fentanyl-laced cocktail at their home on March 4, 2022.
The Crime and Investigation
Eric Richins, a stonemasonry business owner, was found dead in the couple's home. An autopsy revealed he had died from fentanyl poisoning, with approximately five times the lethal dose in his bloodstream. Prosecutors alleged that Richins was having an affair and wanted a fresh start, but without leaving her husband's wealth. She was described as being in 'financial desperation' due to her house flipping business troubles and seeking a quick cash infusion.
Evidence showed that Richins had asked two individuals to procure fentanyl, referring to it as the 'Michael Jackson drug.' She also forged a signature on a life insurance policy taken out on Eric two months before his death and used falsified bank statements from his company to obtain a loan. On the night of his death, she told police he had no history of drug use, but phone searches later revealed queries about deleted messages, lethal fentanyl doses, and life insurance payout timelines.
The Grief Book
Following Eric's death, Richins wrote and self-published a children's book titled 'Are You With Me?' about coping with loss. She promoted the book on a statewide television program, which later became a focal point in the true crime coverage of the case.
Trial and Sentencing
During the trial, the defense argued that Eric had a drug addiction, though his family denied any knowledge of it. However, body camera footage showed Richins initially telling officers Eric had no drug history. The couple's three sons, aged nine, seven, and five at the time of the murder, were in the home when the crime occurred. The eldest son testified in court, expressing fear that if his mother were released, she would harm him and his brothers. The two younger children also stated they would not feel safe if their mother were ever freed.
Richins was found guilty of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder for the earlier laced sandwich incident, and insurance fraud related to the $100,000 life insurance policy. She was sentenced to life without parole.
