Kouri Richins stands trial as hearing begins in husband’s death case

Richins looks on during a court appearance on May 15, 2024. Richins, is acccused of fatally poisoning her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl. Photo: Rick Bowmer | AP

PARK CITY, Utah – Kouri Richins is set to appear in court Monday as a three-day hearing begins in the case surrounding the death of her husband, Eric Richins. Prosecutors plan to present evidence of a deteriorating marriage, an affair, and multiple attempts to kill her husband, who died in March 2022 from a fentanyl-laced cocktail.

What’s happening: Kouri, who later wrote a children’s book about her husband’s death, was charged with his murder a year after the incident. In May, prosecutors added financial crimes to the list of charges, alleging that Kouri believed she would inherit her husband’s estate, which delayed the case.

– The hearing will feature evidence that Kouri purchased the fentanyl that killed her husband and show she had previously attempted to poison him. Prosecutors have uncovered over 800 deleted messages and 12 calls between Kouri Richins and an unidentified witness.

What to watch: The hearing will also address the financial crimes Richins is accused of, which prosecutors argue were part of her motive. Witnesses may include the housekeeper who allegedly sold Richins the fentanyl and friends who recall Richins saying, “In many ways, it would be better if Eric Richins was dead.”

– Judge Richard Mzarik previously ruled that evidence related to Richins’ inquiries about divorce could be introduced. The defense is pushing to suppress some witness statements and has requested that Richins be allowed to remain unhandcuffed in court to better take notes.

The bottom line: The case has drawn significant attention, with the hearing expected to shed light on both the alleged murder and the financial motives behind it. Judge Mzarik is set to rule on key defense requests before the hearing begins Monday.