Summary (tl;dr)

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother who penned a children's book on grief following her husband's death, has been found guilty of his murder, having poisoned him with a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Essential Background

In March 2022, Eric Richins, husband to Kouri Richins, died from a fentanyl overdose at their home. Approximately a year later, Kouri Richins self-published "Are You with Me?", a children's book intended to help children cope with the loss of a loved one, and promoted it on local television. Authorities subsequently accused Richins of intentionally poisoning her husband and arrested her in May 2023, charging her with aggravated murder and various financial crimes. Prosecutors alleged that Richins was significantly in debt, approximately $4.5 million, and sought to gain financially from her husband's death through multiple life insurance policies totaling nearly $2 million that she had taken out without his knowledge. She was also accused of attempting to poison him weeks earlier on Valentine's Day 2022.

The Full Story

The highly publicized trial of Kouri Richins commenced in February 2026 at the Summit County Courthouse in Park City, Utah, and spanned approximately three weeks. On Monday, March 17, 2026, a jury delivered a guilty verdict on all charges, including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery, and two counts of insurance fraud. The jury deliberated for around three hours before reaching their decision. Sentencing for Richins has been scheduled for May 13.

Why It Matters

This case has captivated the public due to the stark contrast between Richins' public persona as a grieving widow and author and the jury's finding that she deliberately murdered her husband for financial gain. The narrative involving a children's grief book written by the accused murderer adds a disturbing layer to the crime, intensifying public interest and scrutiny. The verdict provides a measure of justice for Eric Richins' family and highlights the severe consequences of crimes driven by financial motives and deception.

Geographic Location

• Kamas, Summit County, Utah, United States (home where Eric Richins was fatally poisoned)
• Park City, Summit County, Utah, United States (location of the Third District Court / Summit County Courthouse where the trial and verdict occurred)