ERIC RICHINS: Utah vs. Kouri Richins - Murder via fentanyl poisoning *GUILTY*

Utah mom accused of killing husband with fentanyl in drink tried to poison him multiple times before, family says

Despite the suspicions, Eric Richins stayed in the marriage with Kouri Richins because of his children, his family's spokesperson said.

www.nbcnews.com

May 10, 2023, 6:16 PM EDT / Updated May 11, 2023, 9:18 AM EDT
By Minyvonne Burke, Antonio Planas and Andrew Blankstein

A Utah man who died after his wife allegedly spiked his drink with fentanyl — and then wrote a children's book about grief — had suspected she tried to poison him multiple times and said “she was to blame” if anything happened to him, according to court records.

Despite the suspicions, a family spokesperson told NBC News on Wednesday that Eric Richins stayed in the marriage with Kouri Richins because of his children.


Eric Richins, 39, died March 4, 2022, at his home in Kamas, about 40 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, after he was found unresponsive in his bedroom. Kouri Richins, 33, was arrested Monday on charges of aggravated murder and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

An attorney for Kouri Richins, Skye Lazaro, declined to comment Wednesday.

According to affidavits for search warrants obtained Wednesday from the Summit County Sheriff's Office, relatives of Eric Richins told investigators to look into his wife's involvement.

"They advised he warned them that if anything happened to him she was to blame," the records said. Eric Richins, according to the records, suspected his wife had tried to poison him on multiple occasions.

"According to a sister, Eric and his wife went to Greece a few years ago and after his wife gave him a drink he became violently ill and called his sister saying he believed his wife had tried to kill him," the records said.

"On Valentine’s Day of 2022, his wife brought him a sandwich, which after one bite Eric broke into hives and couldn’t breathe. He used his son’s epi-pen as well as Benadryl before passing out for several hours," according to the records.

He was looking into a divorce and had changed his power of attorney, his will and the beneficiary of his life insurance policy from his wife to his sister, the records said.

Two family members said Eric Richins told them he was worried “Kouri would kill him for money and he wanted to make sure the kids were taken care of financially,” the records said.

<snip>

The medical examiner said that he had five times the lethal dosage of fentanyl in his system and that it was "illicit" fentanyl, not medical-grade. It is also believed he ingested the drugs orally, according to the statement.

It appears she never performed CPR on him as she claimed, the search warrant records said, because of the large amount of blood that came from his mouth.

His family said that Eric Richins never told his wife he had “cut her out of the will” and that the couple were also arguing over buying a $2 million home that she wanted to flip, according to the records.

The family said he was planning to tell her he wasn’t going to sign the papers, but the day after his death, she signed the closing papers on the home, the records said.

After she closed on the home, she invited her friends over for a large party at her home where she was drinking and celebrating, an affidavit for a search warrant said.

 

[Guess Who]

However, she did talk a lot of people into lending her money. And I didn’t think you could still get away with kiting money these days. That’s when you make it look like you have money in one account and write a check and it’s actually just money floating from one institution to the next. However, she was successfully getting away with it.

Do you think it was because of her good looks?

Guaranteed that probably had some to do with it. Along with things both parties to the contracts were willing to overlook.

 

[Kimster]

So her lover was on the stand today. I can’t believe how naïve he was! But I feel bad for him because he definitely has a lot of remorse.

 

[Regina]

So her lover was on the stand today. I can’t believe how naïve he was! But I feel bad for him because he definitely has a lot of remorse.

I think he was humiliated and so be it, I mean, if he hadn't known Kouri was married, I'd feel bad for him that he's such a sap but he did know and so I don't.
And I don't think he's realized that what happened to Eric could have happened to him.
Bottomline, I think he should check his morals and consider himself lucky.

 

[Kimster]

I think he was humiliated and so be it, I mean, if he hadn't known Kouri was married, I'd feel bad for him that he's such a sap but he did know and so I don't.
And I don't think he's realized that what happened to Eric could have happened to him.
Bottomline, I think he should check his morals and consider himself lucky.

As for your bottom line, I think he might have done exactly that.

 

[Kimster]

Her best friend, Chelsea, was on the stand yesterday. I believe she was a waitress. She worked hard to save money to buy a house, and she did - from her bestie Kouri. However, one day she found out that the sale was never recorded and her bestie Kouri sold the house out from under her and she lost everything, including her home.

 

[Guess Who]

She is a master manipulater.

 

[Kimster]

She is a master manipulater.

Yeah, but with the bits and snippets we get in the trial, I don't understand why. She doesn't seem half as "brilliant" as her friend Chelsea thinks she is. And her lover, while seemingly a nice guy, doesn't seem like he "fit" in her lifestyle.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Summit County prosecutors could rest their case against Kouri Richins next week - Park Record

Chief Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth indicated the Summit County Attorney’s Office planned to call its last witness and rest its case against Kouri Richins early next week, allowing her defense team to present its version of events to the jury.

www.parkrecord.com

Summit County prosecutors could rest their case against Kouri Richins next week​

Chief Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth indicated the Summit County Attorney’s Office planned to call its last witness and rest its case against Kouri Richins early next week, allowing her defense team to present its version of events to the jury.

The second week of the murder trial ended in Third District Court on Thursday and is set to resume at 8:30 a.m. on Monday. Bloodworth said prosecutors expected to call their last witness, Summit County Sheriff’s Detective Jeff O’Driscoll, the lead investigator in the case, by Tuesday at the latest.


Both sides will present closing arguments later this month as a final opportunity to persuade the jury of the testimony and facts presented in the case. The jury is expected to deliberate by March 27.

 

[GrandmaBear]

He can be so funny! I really like him.
I haven't watched much of the trial but I did hear the testimonies from the housekeeper and the drug-dealer and I don't see any defense, do you know what I mean?
And I remember Eric's sister's testimony about when they were planning his funeral and it was brought up by Kouri's mother and backed by Kouri- that Eric wanted cremation, which was never his family's tradition. You know, we see that- especially in poisonings- where the perp wants cremation.
Anyway, off topic, but why is there a mirror on the back wall of the courtroom? I've never seen that before and it seems odd to me.

He's hilarious. I've seen several more now including him continuing doing his voice for Kouri, and now her bf too.

That's one of those one way deals in the back of the courtroom I believe. During our trial, there was a room we could go in and hear and watch everything if we didn't feel we could sit in the courtroom and take it, but no on in the courtroom could see us, not the jury, no one. Our family used it quite a bit for breaks when one did not want to (not supposed to) show emotions on one's face and so on, or interrupt if one had to leave and come back by opening the door to the courtroom while testimony was in progress. Some of our expert witnesses even joined us in there, the exception doctors who cared for my granddaughter. I'm pretty sure all courtrooms have them. I don't recall if the defense side had one, but we as a vic family did. It was not exclusive to us probably but that's kind of how it was in our case.

Another thing some may find interesting is we also had a room in the D.A.'s office for the family. It is where we could leave our things or go to for a breather if we coudln't take things during the trial where we were assured we would not encounter the perp's family or anyone during the trial. Kind of a safe haven. It had a frig and they stocked snacks in it every day for us but my family ended up bringing food every day for our family and friends and even feeding our prosecutor, vic wit advocate, etc.

The one way window thing in the courtroom could also probably be used by media maybe in some circumstances so no one is bothered maybe by media or a camera. Not sure. But they are common imo.

Man could I have provided commentary on this trial this week. I've watched every single day of it. It's been quite something. Recaps help but don't cut it compared to having watched it. That's okay though, haven't really wanted to and still don't, and had plenty going on. I haven't been this absorbed in a trial for awhile. It is both infuriating each day but also very interesting. The defense in my opinion is shooting selves in foot constantly. Nestor is supposed to be some great attorney? I'm sure not seeing it. And Lewis, OMG.

 

[GrandmaBear]

As far as resting the case, the prosecution was saying maybe Monday or Tuesday, however, that's before the defense cost probably at least 1/2 a day or maybe close to the whole day on their b.s. This prosecution has put on an exceptional case thus far and every day it just gets better and better, there is SO much against Kouri.

At first I thought and would say the prosecution could be a bit more I'd say emphatic at times but man, have they been prepared and exceptional. For everything. I still think they could have a bit more emphasis but it really isn't necessary as the things just keep coming. So well researched, ready and prepared for every single surprise. The defense imo are almost looking like unprofessional idiots. It's been said more than once you should never ask a question you don't know the answer to (how the witness will answer) and the defense has done that a few times now, not to their benefit. There are some witnesses they'd have been wiser not to question. Also, the prosecution has put them in their place on redirect a couple of times with just one question of a witness.

Then they object at times it is obvious they are scared of what is coming and try to stop it and it has to be so obvious to the jury, even if it goes to sidebar or the jury leaving the room, they see the objection.

It's been frustrating but very, very interesting. This prosecution has done as I said an exceptional job and I think will finish with even more of such. I'm very impressed. This is a largely circumstantial case but there is SO MUCH circumstancial evidence and they just keep bringing it and bringing it and bringing it.

 

[Regina]

As for your bottom line, I think he might have done exactly that.

Well, I know he said he felt guilt re his "wrongdoin'" but he seemed to me that he has yet to wake up and smell the coffee.

 

[Regina]

He's hilarious. I've seen several more now including him continuing doing his voice for Kouri, and now her bf too.

That's one of those one way deals in the back of the courtroom I believe. During our trial, there was a room we could go in and hear and watch everything if we didn't feel we could sit in the courtroom and take it, but no on in the courtroom could see us, not the jury, no one. Our family used it quite a bit for breaks when one did not want to (not supposed to) show emotions on one's face and so on, or interrupt if one had to leave and come back by opening the door to the courtroom while testimony was in progress. Some of our expert witnesses even joined us in there, the exception doctors who cared for my granddaughter. I'm pretty sure all courtrooms have them. I don't recall if the defense side had one, but we as a vic family did. It was not exclusive to us probably but that's kind of how it was in our case.

Another thing some may find interesting is we also had a room in the D.A.'s office for the family. It is where we could leave our things or go to for a breather if we coudln't take things during the trial where we were assured we would not encounter the perp's family or anyone during the trial. Kind of a safe haven. It had a frig and they stocked snacks in it every day for us but my family ended up bringing food every day for our family and friends and even feeding our prosecutor, vic wit advocate, etc.

The one way window thing in the courtroom could also probably be used by media maybe in some circumstances so no one is bothered maybe by media or a camera. Not sure. But they are common imo.

Man could I have provided commentary on this trial this week. I've watched every single day of it. It's been quite something. Recaps help but don't cut it compared to having watched it. That's okay though, haven't really wanted to and still don't, and had plenty going on. I haven't been this absorbed in a trial for awhile. It is both infuriating each day but also very interesting. The defense in my opinion is shooting selves in foot constantly. Nestor is supposed to be some great attorney? I'm sure not seeing it. And Lewis, OMG.

Yeah, that's what I like most about that guy- his sense of humor and indeed, he's hilarious! True Crime Loser- same, I mean, not only well informed but especially funny about it. (I know that TRL also actually does do comedy.)

Re the one-way mirror, that's very interesting. Thanks for sharing. I didn't know anything about that and it's surprising to me that I never noticed a mirror in a courtroom before! I had looked closer at it and saw that it wasn't just any ole mirror- it had wall trim around it- and so I knew then that it was actually a window...

I've watched a good deal of the testimonies but I just don't have the patience for all the sidebars and recesses- good Lord, so much wasted time, in my opinion, I mean, certainly, I understand that any and all issues must be properly addressed but I think a lot of it should actually be unnecessary.

Re the defense blunders, one that struck me recently was during testimony that Kouri said that it'd be better if Eric was dead and on cross, the defense asked the witness if they'd been drinking at the time and I think the witness said they were drinking, which to me backfires on the defense because it rather inadvertently admits that Kouri very well could have said that! Lol!

I didn't know the prosecutors were almost done, thanks for the heads-up. Yeah, I'm not at all impressed with those defense attorneys!

 

[Guess Who]

Victim’s sister tells court Kouri Richins was ‘greedy,’ ‘desperate’

This week's court appearance by Kouri Richins, a Kamas mother of three accused of killing her husband Eric, gave the public a glimpse into how his family is processing the murder charge.

www.kpcw.org

 

[Kimster]

Victim’s sister tells court Kouri Richins was ‘greedy,’ ‘desperate’

This week's court appearance by Kouri Richins, a Kamas mother of three accused of killing her husband Eric, gave the public a glimpse into how his family is processing the murder charge.

www.kpcw.org

Oh, but her texts to her lover say that she’s “ashamed” of being so selfish.

 

[Guess Who]

Oh, but her texts to her lover say that she’s “ashamed” of being so selfish.

More manipulation

 

[Kimster]

I just reviewed Nate’s video about the trial today and the private detective was a hoot! The interesting part about him is that he usually will testify for defenses and this is a rare occasion where he has actually testified for the prosecution. But oh boy, what a personality.

 

[Guess Who]

updated as it happens so refresh as necessary.

LIVE UPDATES | Day 11 of Kouri Richins murder trial - East Idaho News

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three boys, is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, in 2022. She is on trial in Summit County, Utah, on charges of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud and forgery. Today is the 11th day of the trial. It is scheduled...

www.eastidahonews.com

 

[Kimster]

updated as it happens so refresh as necessary.

LIVE UPDATES | Day 11 of Kouri Richins murder trial - East Idaho News

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three boys, is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, in 2022. She is on trial in Summit County, Utah, on charges of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud and forgery. Today is the 11th day of the trial. It is scheduled...

www.eastidahonews.com

Thanks so much! I like to watch the recaps at night, but thankful for this outlet, too!

 

[Guess Who]

Thanks so much! I like to watch the recaps at night, but thankful for this outlet, too!

Same.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Private investigator testifies about break in case before Kouri Richins’ murder arrest

Todd Gabler tracked Kouri Richins, her family and her alleged drug dealer.

www.kpcw.org

Private investigator testifies about break in case before Kouri Richins’ murder arrest​

Deputy Jayme Woody, previously a Summit County detective, testified Monday that the investigation into Eric Richins’ death had all but stalled by the fall of 2022, months after his fatal overdose.

That was until a private investigator hired by Eric Richins’ family provided a break. Deputies ultimately arrested his wife Kouri Richins in May 2023.

Todd Gabler said he was initially hired because the family was litigating property issues with Kouri Richins in civil court.

“I was following the instructions of my client to turn over anything I thought was relevant to the criminal investigation,” he testified Monday. “This is not my case. My case is in the civil court.”

Kouri Richins is charged with aggravated murder, attempted murder and financial crimes. She has pleaded not guilty.

Gabler said he interviewed 40 to 50 people in his investigation. He also pulled Eric and Kouri Richins’ phone billing records.

That led him to Kouri Richins’ housekeeper Carmen Lauber since the two allegedly exchanged hundreds of messages in the weeks before Eric Richins died.

Summit County prosecutors now allege Lauber bought the fentanyl Kouri Richins allegedly used to poison him.

During cross-examination Monday, her defense attorney Kathy Nester tried to portray Gabler as an extension of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office who isn’t bound by the same legal rules.

“I'm not a state actor, never been a state actor. I will never be a state actor,” Gabler said.

Not being bound by the same rules did allow Gabler to search the Richins family home after authorities arrested Kouri Richins and finished their own search.

He sometimes alerted sheriff’s deputies when he found something they missed, and the deputies would secure a search warrant.

He also placed GPS trackers on vehicles used by Kouri Richins, her mother and her brother.

Gabler said that in these and other instances he complied with Utah law and sound ethical practices.

“I don't need law enforcement to babysit me,” he told Nester at one point.

Prosecutors tried to emphasize that his and Summit County’s investigations were independent of one another.

Gabler did say that when he would request evidence from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, such as the full 911 call. He said he was denied and added that police agencies are usually “one-way streets.”

Gabler was expected to be the prosecution’s second-to-last witness before Det. Jeff O’Driscoll. O’Driscoll took over from Woody as the lead investigator on the case in early 2023.