CBS airs ’48 Hours’ episode on Kouri Richins, preliminary court date set

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband, Eric Richins, then wrote a children's book about grieving, looks on during a bail hearing, June 12, 2023, in Park City, Utah. The estate of Kouri Richins’ late husband filed a lawsuit against her on Tuesday, June 27, seeking over $13 million in damages. Photo: AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool, File

Kouri's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for just over a year after her arrest

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — A new episode of the CBS show “48 Hours” centered on Kouri Richins aired on Feb. 24.

Kouri, a Kamas resident, was arrested on May 8, 2023 in the March 2022 death of her husband Eric Richins, who was found dead in their Kamas home of an apparent drug overdose.

During an autopsy a medical examiner found five times the lethal dosage of fentanyl in Eric’s system. Charging documents state that Kouri reached out to an acquaintance at some point between December 2021 and February 2022 to procure both hydrocodone and fentanyl pills.

Following her husband’s death, Kouri wrote and published a children’s book entitled “Are You With Me?” which follows a child as they deal with the loss of their father. While promoting the book, Kouri stated that she wrote it to help her three sons cope with the death of their dad.

The 40-minute “48 Hours” episode contains interviews with Lisa Darden, Kouri’s mother, her two brothers DJ and Ronney Darden, and Eric’s family’s spokesperson Greg Skordas.

Watch the full “48 Hours” episode here.

Kouri has been charged with aggravated murder and three counts of drug possession with the intent to distribute. Her preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 15, just over a year after her arrest.

During this preliminary hearing, Judge Richard Mrazik will determine whether probable cause exists to show the crime was committed, and whether probable cause exists to show that Kouri was the person who committed the crime, according to Utah State Courts. Mrazik will also listen to witness testimony and receive evidence.

If Mrazik finds probable cause that Kouri committed the crime, she will be bound over for trial. If the judge concludes there is insufficient evidence, the case will be dismissed. Kouri’s charges may also be amended at the preliminary hearing.