Utah Mom Allegedly Poisoned Husband, Then Wrote a Children's Book About Grief
Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three and self-published children's book author, is accused of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a fatal dose of fentanyl. The case, which intertwines allegations of financial fraud, infidelity, and a children's book about grief, has captivated national attention as it heads to trial.
A Cocktail Laced With Poison
On March 4, 2022, Eric Richins was found dead in the couple's Kamas, Utah, home. According to prosecutors, Kouri had prepared a cocktail for Eric the night before, which was allegedly spiked with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl. This incident followed an earlier alleged attempt to poison Eric on Valentine's Day 2022 when he reportedly broke out in hives and struggled to breathe after eating a sandwich prepared by Kouri.
Eric had expressed concerns about being poisoned, even confiding in a friend about his suspicions. His death came just 17 days after the Valentine's Day incident.
Tragic Accident or Money-Motivated Murder?
Prosecutors allege Kouri's motive for murder was financial. They claim she had incurred significant debt through her real estate business and fraudulently secured a $2 million life insurance policy on Eric without his knowledge. Additionally, they allege she had been embezzling money from Eric's business accounts and misappropriating family funds for years.
Kouri's defense maintains her innocence, suggesting Eric may have accidentally ingested something else contaminated with fentanyl — maybe a THC gummy, which he occasionally used.
The Handyman's Claims
A critical witness in the case was William Hayden Jeffs, a handyman who worked on properties owned by Kouri. Jeffs told investigators that Kouri had asked him to procure fentanyl and propofol in the weeks leading up to Eric's death. Police say Jeffs provided text messages that corroborated these claims and handed copies to investigators.
Jeffs will never testify in court, however. He died in a motorcycle accident in September 2024, leaving many questions unanswered about his interactions with Kouri. Investigators have since seized his phone to analyze any additional evidence that might clarify his role in the case.
The Children's Book Controversy
A year after Eric's death, Kouri published a children's book titled "Are You With Me?" — aimed at helping children cope with the loss of a loved one. Inspired by her own family's grief, Kouri's book initially garnered praise but has since become a magnet for criticism. Many view the book as an attempt to deflect suspicion or exploit her husband's death for financial gain.
In May 2023, two months after promoting the book on local television, Kouri was arrested and charged with Eric's murder.
A Litany of Charges
Kouri faces nine felony charges, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, and various financial crimes. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges and continues to deny any wrongdoing, vowing to prove her innocence.
In November 2024, a judge denied Kouri bail for the second time, ordering her to remain behind bars until her trial date, which is set to begin on April 28, 2025. Jury selection, which is expected to be challenging due to intense media coverage, will start the week before. Both sides are preparing to present extensive evidence, and as many as 20 witnesses may testify.
So, did Kouri Richins exploit her husband's death to secure financial stability, or is she the victim of a tragic misunderstanding? The court will ultimately decide, but for now, the Richins family remains divided, seeking justice and closure as this case continues to unfold.
References: Did Utah mom Kouri Richins poison her husband, then write a children's book on coping with grief? | Utah grief author Kouri Richins set to stand trial in husband's poisoning death | Flurry of filings expected as Kouri Richins murder trial timeline accelerates | Kouri Richins' handyman, now dead after motorcycle crash, said she asked him for fentanyl
