Judge to appoint new attorney for Kouri Richins in pending fraud case

Kouri Richins looks on during a court hearing on Aug. 27, 2024, in Park City, Utah. Photo: AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File

Amy Fowler’s withdrawal follows Richins’ allegations of a conflict of interest involving a witness in her husband’s murder trial.

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah – A court-appointed attorney representing Kouri Richins in a pending financial crimes case has been allowed to withdraw after Richins raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

Third District Judge Richard Mrazik said Monday he would grant attorney Amy Fowler’s request to withdraw. A replacement must be appointed before the case can move forward.

Fowler has represented Richins since June in a case involving 26 felony counts of fraud and money laundering filed by Summit County prosecutors in July 2025. The proceedings were put on hold while Richins stood trial for the murder of her husband, Eric Richins.

A jury found Richins guilty, and she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Fowler’s withdrawal follows an Oct. 15 letter in which Richins asked Mrazik to appoint a new attorney, alleging a “complete breakdown in [their] attorney-client relationship.”

Richins said she had learned that Fowler previously represented Carmen Lauber, a witness who testified for prosecutors during the murder trial. Lauber, who worked as Richins’ housekeeper, testified that she sold Richins the fentanyl used to poison Eric Richins. Lauber received immunity for certain drug-related offenses in exchange for her testimony.

According to Richins’ letter, she confronted Fowler about the prior representation, but the two disagreed about whether it created a conflict of interest.

Richins also alleged that Fowler has close personal relationships with Mrazik and Summit County prosecutors, raising additional concerns about her ability to provide independent representation.

Mrazik’s decision means the financial crimes case will remain on hold while a new public defender is appointed. Richins is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 6 for a review hearing on the status of her case and legal representation.