A Utah mother who published a children's book about grief after the sudden death of her husband has been found guilty of his murder. A jury found that Kouri Richins killed her husband in March 2022 by poisoning him with a fentanyl-laced drink. The jury deliberated the case for about three hours before reaching its verdict on Monday.
During the trial, it was revealed that Richins, 35, had racked up millions of dollars in debt, taken out life insurance policies on her husband, and was involved in an extramarital affair. Prosecutors called more than 40 witnesses, including a drug dealer who testified to selling the drugs used to kill Eric Richins.
Her defense team opted not to call any witnesses or have her testify in her own defense. Richins was also found guilty of fraudulently claiming insurance benefits after her husband's death near their home outside Park City. The prosecution argued that she falsely believed she would inherit his estate, valued at more than $4 million, after his death.
Additionally, officials indicated that Richins had previously attempted to poison her husband, which led to a charge of attempted murder. The most serious charge, aggravated murder, could entail a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Richins was arrested in March 2023, two months after she published her picture book, 'Are You With Me?', intended to help others cope with loss. She had dedicated the book to her husband, whom she described as 'my amazing husband and a wonderful father' in her promotional interviews.
During the trial, it was revealed that Richins, 35, had racked up millions of dollars in debt, taken out life insurance policies on her husband, and was involved in an extramarital affair. Prosecutors called more than 40 witnesses, including a drug dealer who testified to selling the drugs used to kill Eric Richins.
Her defense team opted not to call any witnesses or have her testify in her own defense. Richins was also found guilty of fraudulently claiming insurance benefits after her husband's death near their home outside Park City. The prosecution argued that she falsely believed she would inherit his estate, valued at more than $4 million, after his death.
Additionally, officials indicated that Richins had previously attempted to poison her husband, which led to a charge of attempted murder. The most serious charge, aggravated murder, could entail a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Richins was arrested in March 2023, two months after she published her picture book, 'Are You With Me?', intended to help others cope with loss. She had dedicated the book to her husband, whom she described as 'my amazing husband and a wonderful father' in her promotional interviews.
