Kouri Richins trial preps: Defense pushes for special jury selection, venue change

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three, who wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, looks on during a hearing Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Park City, Utah. Photo: AP Photo // Rick Bowmer, Pool

PARK CITY, Utah – Summit County prosecutors and Kouri Richins’ defense team are working out key logistics ahead of her May 2025 trial, focusing on how to ensure a fair jury. Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband in 2022, faces 11 felony charges. Her defense is pushing for special jury arrangements, a possible venue change, and separating the charges into multiple trials.

Jury selection concerns: Richins’ attorneys are requesting “extraordinary circumstances” for jury selection, arguing that media coverage makes finding an impartial jury in Summit County difficult. They’ve proposed conducting a survey to gauge public opinion on the case and are considering submitting a motion to move the trial out of the county or bring in jurors from other areas.

Judge’s response: Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik acknowledged the challenges but noted that even outside Summit County, finding a jury without preconceived notions may be hard due to extensive media coverage. The court has successfully handled high-profile cases before, such as the Gwyneth Paltrow trial, and will consider other measures, including additional court staff and protections for juror safety.

What’s next: Jury selection is set for April 28 to May 1, 2025, and could be either in person or virtual. Defense attorneys are also pushing for a 12-member jury, though the case, not being a capital punishment trial, only requires eight jurors. A Nov. 12 motion hearing will address the defense’s requests regarding jury selection.

Detention reconsideration: Richins, held without bail since her arrest, will also have a hearing on Oct. 28 to reconsider her release before trial. The defense has previously argued for her release, but the judge denied bail due to the weight of evidence against her.