Judge to determine on May 15 whether Kouri Richins will stand trial

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. Photo: AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool, File

The preliminary hearing will take place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15

Editor’s Note: Kouri Richins’ preliminary hearing was delayed on Wednesday, May 15, and will now take place June 18-20.

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — On May 15 a judge will determine whether or not Kouri Richins will stand trial for allegedly killing her husband Eric Richins.

Kouri was arrested on May 8, 2023 following Eric’s overdose death in March 2022. A medical examiner found that there was five times the lethal dosage of fentanyl in his system at the time of his death.

Kouri currently faces 11 charges, including aggravated murder, attempted criminal homicide, two counts of arranging distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of mortgage fraud, two counts of fraudulent insurance claims, and three counts of forgery.

At the preliminary hearing the prosecution will call witnesses and introduce evidence from the case, and the defense can cross-examine witnesses.

It will be up to Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik to determine whether the prosecution presents substantial evidence to establish probable cause that Kouri committed the crimes in question. If so, she will stand trial.

If Mrazik concludes that the evidence does not establishes probable cause, the charges will be dismissed.