This is the day 1 trial report of the murder trial (expected to last until 23rd March 2026) of Kouri Richins, accused of poisoning her husband Eric Richins with Fentanyl, designed to catch you up with the nucleus of the case efficiently!
Case Report
Factual background:
In March 2022, Eric Richins was found unresponsive in the bedroom of the home he shared with his wife, Kouri Richins, in Utah. A 911 call was placed in the early morning hours reporting that he was not breathing.
Emergency responders arrived and Eric was pronounced deceased.
A subsequent autopsy and toxicology testing determined that Eric died from acute fentanyl intoxication. The level of fentanyl detected was reported to be significantly elevated.
Following investigation, prosecutors charged Kouri Richins with aggravated murder and related financial crimes. The State alleges that she intentionally administered fentanyl to her husband. The prosecution has also referenced an alleged prior poisoning attempt weeks before his death.
Investigators examined:
- Financial records, including real estate debt and loans.
- Life insurance policies associated with Eric Richins.
- Digital communications and phone data.
- Statements made during the 911 call and at the scene.
The State has argued that financial pressure and marital instability provide motive.
The defense disputes that the State can prove how fentanyl was ingested, challenges aspects of the financial narrative, and maintains that the prosecution cannot establish intentional poisoning beyond reasonable doubt.
Kouri Richins has pleaded not guilty.
The case proceeds as a circumstantial homicide prosecution centered on toxicology evidence, financial documentation, and competing interpretations of marital and post-death conduct.
Criminal complaint:
CHARGES:
1. Criminal Homicide, Aggravated Murder (DV (Domestic Violence))
2. Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (January 2022)
3. Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (11th February 2022)
4. Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (26th February 2022)
Victim(s): Eric Richins (Deceased)
Date Of Murder: 4th March 2022.
Killing Incident Reported: 4th March 2022.
Courthouse: Summit County, Utah Ohio
Officers of the court
Judge:
Attorneys
Prosecution:
ADA Bradley Bloodworth
ADA Lindsay Chervenak
Byron Burmester
Defence:
Kathryn Nester
Wendy Lewis
Alex Ramos
UT v. Kouri Richins – Day 1 Trial Summary
Day 1 of Utah v. Kouri Richins began with jury instructions and confirmation of the defendant’s not guilty plea before both sides delivered sharply contrasting opening statements. The prosecution outlined a theory of intentional fentanyl poisoning driven by financial strain, marital breakdown, and alleged insurance incentive, asserting that no one else was responsible for Eric Richins’ death.
The defence focused on the State’s burden of proof, argued that the manner and mechanism of fentanyl ingestion remain unproven, and characterised the 911 call as consistent with shock rather than premeditation.
Four prosecution witnesses testified, including Eric’s father and sister, who established the early-morning timeline, described marital instability and financial tension, and alleged post-death conduct they considered significant; cross-examination introduced evidence of Eric’s THC use and raised questions about family-driven investigative involvement. The day concluded with testimony from Eric’s brother-in-law regarding financial matters and a responding detective who presented bodycam footage and confirmed no visible drug paraphernalia at the scene, while defence counsel highlighted potential investigative gaps.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Witness #1 – Eugene Richins – (Father of Eric Richins
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Father of the deceased.
Summary Of Testimony
Eugene confirmed the timeline of when the family was notified and when he arrived at the home. His testimony established the morning sequence after the 911 call and anchored the early timeline.
Key evidence introduced!
- Received a call from Kouri stating Eric was not breathing.
- Arrived at the house around 10–10:30am.
Witness #2 – Katie Richins-Benson – Sister of Eric Richin
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Sister of the deceased.
Summary Of Testimony
Katie’s testimony focused on three main areas:
- Eric’s character (responsible, organised, not a drug user).
- Marital instability (divorce attorney, revoked power of attorney).
- Post-death behaviour (mansion comment, Apple Watch deletion).
On cross-examination, the defence introduced:
- THC use (alternative drug exposure possibility).
- Her involvement in investigating Kouri (raising bias questions).
Her testimony strengthened motive and marital fracture arguments but introduced credibility tension during cross.
Key evidence introduced!
- Eric described as financially responsible and anti-drug.
- Claimed she never saw Eric use illicit drugs.
- Stated Eric had hired a divorce attorney.
- Confirmed power of attorney was revoked from Kouri.
- Testified Kouri discussed closing on a mansion after Eric’s death.
- Alleged Kouri deleted data from an Apple Watch.
- On cross: revealed Eric used THC for back pain.
- Confirmed she hired a private investigator.
Witness #3 – Clint Benson – Brother-in-law
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Married into Eric’s family, Involved in reviewing financial matters.
Summary Of Testimony
Clint focused primarily on financial strain and marital breakdown. His testimony reinforced the prosecution’s financial motive theory by describing credit activity and divorce planning.
On cross:
- Defence highlighted his contact with a divorce attorney on Kouri’s behalf.
- Emphasised family involvement in investigating the case.
- Suggested the family may have been driving suspicion.
His testimony strengthened financial motive but introduced a narrative of family-led investigative pressure.
Key evidence introduced!
- Discovered a line of credit taken out against Eric’s home.
- Eric was upset upon learning of the credit.
- Eric hired a divorce attorney.
- Kouri discussed having someone else run Eric’s company.
- Surveillance cameras existed at the property.
Witness #4 – Deputy Vincent Nguyen – Detective, Summit County Sheriff’s Office
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Responding officer at the scene.
Summary Of Testimony
Nguyen’s testimony focused on:
- What Kouri said immediately after Eric’s death.
- Condition of the scene.
- Absence of visible drugs.
Cross-examination targeted investigative gaps and scene completeness, introducing questions about how thorough the initial search was.
Key evidence introduced!
- Officer observed no THC gummies.
- Officer observed no drug paraphernalia.
- On cross:
- Officer did not inspect the sink.
- Was not present when body was moved.
- Did not direct full scene inspection.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: Poisoned Husband Murder Trial — UT v. Kouri Richins — Day One, Law & Crime Trials, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
