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.