Jury selected in Kouri Richins murder trial

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband then wrote a children's book about grieving, cries during a bail hearing Monday, June 12, 2023, in Park City, Utah. A judge ruled to keep her in custody for the duration of her trial. Photo: AP Photo // Rick Bowmer, Pool

Proceedings are set to begin Feb. 23 in Summit County

PARK CITY, Utah — A jury has been selected in the murder trial of Kouri Richins following two days of questioning in Summit County’s 3rd District Court.

Richins, who has been in custody since her 2023 arrest, is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl in March 2022. She has pleaded not guilty.

Judge Richard Mrazik and attorneys had initially set aside five days for jury selection in what has become one of Utah’s most closely watched criminal cases. Instead, the process concluded in two days.

The 12-person jury includes eight primary jurors and four alternates. All are scheduled to report to the courthouse when the trial begins Feb. 23.

Jury selection began Tuesday with more than 25 prospective jurors questioned in open court. The process followed a 23-page questionnaire containing 99 questions that potential jurors completed in advance. The survey asked about media consumption, prior knowledge of the case, interactions with law enforcement, civic involvement, marital history and other background information.

In court, Judge Mrazik first asked each potential juror whether they had heard about the case in the media, conducted any independent research, discussed the case with others or recognized anyone in the courtroom.

Attorneys for both sides then asked additional questions aimed at uncovering potential bias, including views on the legal system and personal experiences that might affect their ability to be impartial.

After questioning, prosecutors and defense attorneys conferred on whether to accept or strike each juror. The judge had final authority over who advanced in the process.

Many prospective jurors acknowledged they had heard of the case, though most said their knowledge was limited to headlines or general media coverage, according to a Court TV report.

Richins’ defense team previously sought to move the trial to Salt Lake County, arguing that extensive media coverage in Summit County would make it difficult to seat an impartial jury. The defense also asked to expand the jury pool beyond county lines. Judge Mrazik denied both requests, ruling that a fair jury could be selected locally.

Prospective jurors who were not immediately selected were instructed not to discuss the case and were told they would be notified of their status.

Opening statements are expected when the trial begins later this month.