Author of Grief Book Convicted in Husband’s Fentanyl Poisoning

Park City, Utah – Kouri Richins, 35, was convicted Monday of aggravated murder for poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a fatal dose of fentanyl in March 2022. The conviction comes after she self-published a children’s book about coping with grief.

Details of the Case

Prosecutors argued that Kouri Richins administered five times the lethal dose of fentanyl into a cocktail consumed by her husband at their home near Park City, Utah. They presented evidence suggesting she was approximately $4.5 million in debt and believed she would inherit an estate valued at over $4 million upon her husband’s death. Summit County prosecutor Brad Bloodworth stated, “She wanted to abandon Eric Richins but did not wish to leave his money.”

The jury similarly found Richins guilty of attempted murder for a prior attempt to poison her husband weeks earlier on Valentine’s Day with a fentanyl-laced sandwich, which caused him to lose consciousness. Additional charges included forgery and fraudulently claiming insurance benefits after his death.

Jury Deliberation and Reaction

The jury deliberated for just under three hours before reaching a verdict. Following the announcement, family members from both sides embraced and wept in the courtroom. Eric Richins’ sister, Amy Richins, expressed relief, stating, “Honestly I feel like we’re all in shock. It’s been a long time coming… Just very happy that we got justice for my brother.” Relatives of Kouri Richins left the courthouse without commenting to the media.

Sentencing

Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, which would have been Eric Richins’ 44th birthday. The aggravated murder charge carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.