ERIC RICHINS: Utah vs. Kouri Richins - Murder via fentanyl poisoning (1 Viewer)

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.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Started. Finally.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I watched for a fair time. It was interesting but dry with expert stuff then I started hearing things re Reiner were coming out and I quit and went to that one.

But trustworthy Gigi, she watched it all and did a great 11 minute recap tonight putting all that stuff into a short video with the gist of everything. Great recap!

I came in to say there is no day two for live streaming. There still is a day two but they are going to ban that and I wonder if not even the public as sealed evidence is going to be discussed tomorrow/day 2.

 

[GrandmaBear]

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

https://www.abc4.com/richins/richins-investigators-harass-witnesses-claims/

Kouri Richins: Attorneys claim investigators harassed witnesses testifying at upcoming murder trial​

The attorneys for the Kamas woman accused of f killing her husband have filed a motion that states detectives have harassed and threatened two witnesses in the case.

Over the weekend, Richins’ attorneys filed a motion for the prosecution to disclose all communications with trial witnesses, including investigators with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and the Summit County Attorney’s Office.

The motion states that last week, the defense team was contacted by one of the prosecution’s witnesses, who claimed that she was “being harassed by an investigator working with the prosecution” and asked if the defense could protect her.

In text messages between the witness and the lead detective, she “made it clear she did not want to be ‘prepped’ by the State to testify and asked them to send her any of their questions in writing.”

In response, the lead detective allegedly threatened to get a warrant for her arrest and “bring a pole for her dog” if she did not come in for an interview. The defense calls this “blatant witness intimidation.”

Documents say that the defense met with the lead prosecutor about these messages, and were told by the prosecution that they “do not think [the detective] acted improperly.”

According to the motion, the defense was then contacted by another of the State’s witnesses, who said that he had been threatened to have his immunity withdrawn by a state investigator if he did not discuss his testimony with him ahead of time.

Due to the alleged threats against witnesses, Richins’ attorneys are asking that all communication between investigators for the prosecution and their witnesses be disclosed.

Attached exhibits filed by the defense that showed some of the threats were sealed by the court. In response, the defense filed an objection to that sealing, stating that any private information has been redacted and the communications are not privileged.

“There is no factual reason or legal authority supporting their removal from the public docket. The defense respectfully requests they immediately be reclassified as public filings so the public will be on notice and can report if other similarly-worded communications have been sent out to potential witnesses,” the motion reads.

 

[GrandmaBear]

https://www.abc4.com/richins/richins-investigators-harass-witnesses-claims/

Kouri Richins: Attorneys claim investigators harassed witnesses testifying at upcoming murder trial​

The attorneys for the Kamas woman accused of f killing her husband have filed a motion that states detectives have harassed and threatened two witnesses in the case.

Over the weekend, Richins’ attorneys filed a motion for the prosecution to disclose all communications with trial witnesses, including investigators with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and the Summit County Attorney’s Office.

The motion states that last week, the defense team was contacted by one of the prosecution’s witnesses, who claimed that she was “being harassed by an investigator working with the prosecution” and asked if the defense could protect her.

In text messages between the witness and the lead detective, she “made it clear she did not want to be ‘prepped’ by the State to testify and asked them to send her any of their questions in writing.”

In response, the lead detective allegedly threatened to get a warrant for her arrest and “bring a pole for her dog” if she did not come in for an interview. The defense calls this “blatant witness intimidation.”

Documents say that the defense met with the lead prosecutor about these messages, and were told by the prosecution that they “do not think [the detective] acted improperly.”

According to the motion, the defense was then contacted by another of the State’s witnesses, who said that he had been threatened to have his immunity withdrawn by a state investigator if he did not discuss his testimony with him ahead of time.

Due to the alleged threats against witnesses, Richins’ attorneys are asking that all communication between investigators for the prosecution and their witnesses be disclosed.

Attached exhibits filed by the defense that showed some of the threats were sealed by the court. In response, the defense filed an objection to that sealing, stating that any private information has been redacted and the communications are not privileged.

“There is no factual reason or legal authority supporting their removal from the public docket. The defense respectfully requests they immediately be reclassified as public filings so the public will be on notice and can report if other similarly-worded communications have been sent out to potential witnesses,” the motion reads.

Glad you found an article on it. The video I linked has maybe a more balanced discussion about it. It certainly isn't a good look. The pole though for instance and her arrest were if a warrant had to be issued if the witness did not appear. It's also interesting how the one then called the defense and asked if they could protect. If the other one has an immunity deal and is not doing as agreed to or asked, it makes sense an immunity agreement would be revoked.

A witness or two has been waffling before now and I'd guess it is those witnesses. Despite the video, all of this is my opinion. However, they gave it all a pretty balanced look.

I'd agree it isn't a good look for the prosecution. However, trial is close, tensions are likely high and certain witnesses are not ideal.

You dno't ignore subpoenas although you don't have to come in to prep if you refuse to is how I understand it. However, if you are kind of anti and hostile, then don't expect cooperation from the P. I mean the one subpoena gave a range of many days as this will not be a short trial and she wanted to know what day. Well she ignored phone calls, would not come in to prep or talk and it was said to her well if you had, then we can't know what day because you never came in and doged our calls. I don't totally disagree with that, they also have to work trial around the availabiltiy of ALL witnesses as to when they appear.

I would say it could have been handled better and that it isn't a good look. It isn't criminal though which is pretty much said in the video.

The remark about the pole for the dog is getting the most play. Of course.

Yes if the witness ends up with a warrant to arrest, then if there is a dog they have to use a pole to catch it. Of course they can't leave the dog to die if the owner is in jail.

Again it isn't a good look and I'm not arguing you just trying to give it a basis so people don't react on emotion or not knowing.

Imo I'm wondering if Kouri or her family got to the witnesses and/or they don't like what they are facing. It definitely does not bode well as clearly they are going to be hostile witnesses and possibly not tell the truth and be difficult on the stand.

That's my take on it anyhow. Just trying to give it a bit more context.

It seems to me they may have tried to dodge subpoenas, did not answer calls, refuse to prep (which is entirely legal) and more and LE maybe came across strong but were just saying if you did get served a subpoena and do not appear, this is what could happen or what will happen.

This trial is pending. Interesting that this timing is chosen to have this happen...

 

[Tresir]

I was just googling Utah and life insurance and this case came up. I see it is just coming to trial.

Utah children’s author Kouri Richins says state threatened witnesses ahead of trial in husband’s poisoning

Utah mother accused of poisoning husband faces witness intimidation claims before murder trial. Defense alleges prosecution threatened witnesses.

www.foxnews.com

Attorneys for a Utah children's book author accused of poisoning her husband to death are accusing members of the prosecution team of witness intimidation, just weeks before jury selection is set to begin in her high-profile murder trial.
In a motion filed Jan. 25, defense attorneys for Kouri Richins asked a judge to order prosecutors to turn over all communications with trial witnesses, citing messages they say include threats of arrest, jail time and the withdrawal of immunity.
According to the court filing, one witness told defense attorneys she felt harassed by a lead detective working with the prosecution after she declined to be "prepped" for testimony and asked that questions be submitted in writing. The motion alleges the detective warned the witness she could be arrested and jailed if she did not cooperate.
Defense attorneys described the conduct as "blatant witness intimidation."
TEXAS WOMAN ACCUSED OF PLOTTING EX-HUSBAND'S MURDER WITH FENTANYL-LACED CHOCOLATES UNDER INDICTMENT

Kouri Richins, left, a Utah mother of three who wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, speaks to her attorney, Kathy Nester, during a hearing, Aug. 26, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (Rick Bowmer/AP Photo via Pool)
The filing also details allegations from a second witness, who claimed a county investigator warned that previously granted immunity could be withdrawn if the witness refused to meet again with the prosecution team. The witness said they had already cooperated and had previously been told they had done nothing wrong.
View PDF
The defense argues the alleged conduct may violate Utah’s witness intimidation statute and the state’s Victim and Witness Rights Act, and says the communications must be disclosed under federal rules requiring prosecutors to turn over information that could affect witness credibility.
Prosecutors declined to comment publicly, saying they will respond to the motion through the court because the case is close to trial.
WIFE CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER ALLEGEDLY LACING HUSBAND'S DRINK WITH POISON: POLICE

Kouri Richins, the Utah mom of three and children's book author accused of poisoning her husband to death, now wants charges against her dismissed. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool/ Facebook)
Richins, the Utah mother of three who later wrote and sold a children’s book about grief, "Are You With Me?", is charged with aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, and multiple financial crimes in the 2022 death of her husband, Eric Richins, 39.
Prosecutors allege Richins poisoned her husband with a cocktail laced with illicit fentanyl while the couple was celebrating at their home in March 2022. A medical examiner determined Eric Richins had more than five times the lethal amount of fentanyl in his system. Charging documents also say his gastric fluid contained 16,000 ng/ml of quetiapine, an antipsychotic medication often used as a sleep aid.
Authorities say the Utah mother previously attempted to poison her husband on Valentine’s Day 2022, slipping fentanyl into his favorite sandwich. Court records say Eric Richins broke out in hives and struggled to breathe after eating the sandwich, using his son’s EpiPen and taking Benadryl before falling asleep for hours. He survived the incident.
CONNECTICUT MOTHER CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER ALLEGEDLY POISONING HUSBAND WITH ANTIFREEZE

Kouri Richins, who wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, during a hearing on May 15, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)
A witness identified as C.L. told police Richins requested fentanyl earlier that year and that the drugs were delivered to her just days before the Valentine’s Day incident, according to court records previously obtained by Fox News Digital.
Prosecutors allege Richins killed her husband as part of a plan to collect millions of dollars in life insurance proceeds. Court documents say she purchased multiple life insurance policies totaling nearly $2 million, later changing the beneficiary to herself without her husband’s authorization. Eric Richins reportedly discovered the change and switched the beneficiary back to his business partner.
Authorities also allege Richins wanted to use the insurance money to finish and flip a $2 million Wasatch County mansion, an investment Eric Richins’ family said he did not approve of.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Richins has denied the allegations and maintains she did not kill her husband.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Feb. 10, with trial set to start Feb. 23 before Judge Richard Mrazik. The judge has not yet ruled on the defense motion.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I was just googling Utah and life insurance and this case came up. I see it is just coming to trial.

Utah children’s author Kouri Richins says state threatened witnesses ahead of trial in husband’s poisoning

Utah mother accused of poisoning husband faces witness intimidation claims before murder trial. Defense alleges prosecution threatened witnesses.

www.foxnews.com

Attorneys for a Utah children's book author accused of poisoning her husband to death are accusing members of the prosecution team of witness intimidation, just weeks before jury selection is set to begin in her high-profile murder trial.
In a motion filed Jan. 25, defense attorneys for Kouri Richins asked a judge to order prosecutors to turn over all communications with trial witnesses, citing messages they say include threats of arrest, jail time and the withdrawal of immunity.
According to the court filing, one witness told defense attorneys she felt harassed by a lead detective working with the prosecution after she declined to be "prepped" for testimony and asked that questions be submitted in writing. The motion alleges the detective warned the witness she could be arrested and jailed if she did not cooperate.
Defense attorneys described the conduct as "blatant witness intimidation."
TEXAS WOMAN ACCUSED OF PLOTTING EX-HUSBAND'S MURDER WITH FENTANYL-LACED CHOCOLATES UNDER INDICTMENT

Kouri Richins, left, a Utah mother of three who wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, speaks to her attorney, Kathy Nester, during a hearing, Aug. 26, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (Rick Bowmer/AP Photo via Pool)
The filing also details allegations from a second witness, who claimed a county investigator warned that previously granted immunity could be withdrawn if the witness refused to meet again with the prosecution team. The witness said they had already cooperated and had previously been told they had done nothing wrong.
View PDF
The defense argues the alleged conduct may violate Utah’s witness intimidation statute and the state’s Victim and Witness Rights Act, and says the communications must be disclosed under federal rules requiring prosecutors to turn over information that could affect witness credibility.
Prosecutors declined to comment publicly, saying they will respond to the motion through the court because the case is close to trial.
WIFE CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER ALLEGEDLY LACING HUSBAND'S DRINK WITH POISON: POLICE

Kouri Richins, the Utah mom of three and children's book author accused of poisoning her husband to death, now wants charges against her dismissed. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool/ Facebook)
Richins, the Utah mother of three who later wrote and sold a children’s book about grief, "Are You With Me?", is charged with aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, and multiple financial crimes in the 2022 death of her husband, Eric Richins, 39.
Prosecutors allege Richins poisoned her husband with a cocktail laced with illicit fentanyl while the couple was celebrating at their home in March 2022. A medical examiner determined Eric Richins had more than five times the lethal amount of fentanyl in his system. Charging documents also say his gastric fluid contained 16,000 ng/ml of quetiapine, an antipsychotic medication often used as a sleep aid.
Authorities say the Utah mother previously attempted to poison her husband on Valentine’s Day 2022, slipping fentanyl into his favorite sandwich. Court records say Eric Richins broke out in hives and struggled to breathe after eating the sandwich, using his son’s EpiPen and taking Benadryl before falling asleep for hours. He survived the incident.
CONNECTICUT MOTHER CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER ALLEGEDLY POISONING HUSBAND WITH ANTIFREEZE

Kouri Richins, who wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, during a hearing on May 15, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)
A witness identified as C.L. told police Richins requested fentanyl earlier that year and that the drugs were delivered to her just days before the Valentine’s Day incident, according to court records previously obtained by Fox News Digital.
Prosecutors allege Richins killed her husband as part of a plan to collect millions of dollars in life insurance proceeds. Court documents say she purchased multiple life insurance policies totaling nearly $2 million, later changing the beneficiary to herself without her husband’s authorization. Eric Richins reportedly discovered the change and switched the beneficiary back to his business partner.
Authorities also allege Richins wanted to use the insurance money to finish and flip a $2 million Wasatch County mansion, an investment Eric Richins’ family said he did not approve of.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Richins has denied the allegations and maintains she did not kill her husband.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Feb. 10, with trial set to start Feb. 23 before Judge Richard Mrazik. The judge has not yet ruled on the defense motion.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

This trial may be a doozy. I'm a bit torn on the claims of the witnesses. They don't have to agree to be prepped but they seem (or at least one does) to be trying to avoid testifying, answering calls, and so forth and aren't the most willing of witnesses apparently. Trial is pending which is pressure on the prosecution (and the defense) and they have recalcitrant witnesses it seems. If they don't show up or do not answer as expected or previously stated, then it's quite a wild card and can throw the whole trial.

She's as guilty as sin imo but I hope they can prove it and get the witnesses on board. Hopefully they'll answer truthfully and value their own arse and not commit perjury.

It wouldn't surprise me if she got to them, she's been trying from jail to get people to tell a fake story like with her famous 'walk the dog letter".

She's such a puke in my opinion.