Kouri Richins, a mother from Utah, is currently on trial in Summit County, accused of killing her husband, Eric Richins, in 2023. Prosecutors claim her motive was financial gain.
On Monday, Summit County Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth revealed that the 35-year-old Richins was burdened with $4.5 million in debt. To alleviate this, she allegedly falsified Eric’s signature to obtain life insurance policies totaling nearly $2 million.
Bloodworth further noted that Richins “wrongly believed” she would receive more than $4 million from Eric’s estate after his passing, according to Court TV.
Richins is facing several legal charges, some of which include serious allegations related to her husband’s death.
- Aggravated murder
- Attempted aggravated murder
- Insurance fraud
- Forgery
According to reports from CrimeOnline, in May 2023, Richins purportedly poisoned Eric by lacing his Moscow Mule cocktail with a lethal dose of fentanyl, exceeding five times the legal limit.
Following her husband’s death, Richins, a mother of three, authored and self-published a children’s book titled “Are You with Me?” which tells the story of a father with angel wings watching over his son.
Additional charges accused her of a previous attempt to kill Eric by spiking his sandwich on Valentine’s Day 2022.
“The evidence will prove that Kouri Richins murdered Eric for his money and to get a fresh start at life,” Bloodworth said. “More than anything, she wanted his money to perpetuate her facade of privilege, affluence and success.”
Richins had also been having an affair with a man identified as Robert Josh Grossman, the prosecution said.
Defense lawyer Kathryn Nester argued that Eric possibly overdosed due to his own painkiller addiction, adding that he had Lyme disease.
Body cam footage from Summit County deputies, however, showed Richins telling authorities that Eric had no historyof drug use.
The defense also argued that investigators never properly testing evidence on the drink’s cup.
The trial continues Tuesday with testimonry from first responders and officers.
Carmen Lauber, the Richins’ housekeeper, is also expected to testify about how she sold Kouri Richins fentanyl on several occasions.
Richins has pleaded not guilty. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Kouri and Eric Richins/Facebook]
