This is the Day 2 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 2 Trial Summary
Day 2 of Utah v. Kouri Richins centered on scene documentation and medical evidence as the prosecution continued its case-in-chief. Law enforcement witnesses addressed timeline details, including an eight-minute dispatch discrepancy and acknowledgment that the scene was only “semi-secured.” Crime scene and medical responders testified that no THC gummies or drug paraphernalia were found in the bedroom, that the decedent was discovered face-up with an AED attached, and that blood was present at the mouth. An EMT confirmed the decedent was cold to the touch upon assessment.
The key testimony came from retired Medical Examiner Pamela Ulmer, who confirmed rib fractures consistent with CPR and no other traumatic injuries. Toxicology revealed fentanyl at approximately 20 mg per mL, which she testified would be toxic for a non-user. However, she stated that the manner of death could not be determined. The autopsy record, reflected in the Day 2 exhibits, shows cause amended to drug intoxication (fentanyl) and manner amended to “not determined”.
By the close of the day, the prosecution had firmly established toxic fentanyl levels and authenticated scene documentation, while the defence secured a significant point: the official manner of death remains undetermined. The case now pivots toward whether the State can move from toxicology findings to proof of intentional administration.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Witness #1 – Deputy Vincent Nguyen – Detective, Summit County Sheriff Office
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Responding detective at the residence in the early morning hours.
Summary Of Testimony
Deputy Vincent Nguyen continued testimony regarding his response to the scene and the condition of the premises during the early morning hours. Cross-examination focused on timeline precision and scene security. Redirect addressed his observations of the defendant’s demeanour, followed by recross clarifying limits on his ability to interpret her emotional state.
Key evidence introduced!
- Arrival time: approximately 3:40am.
- Departure time: approximately 5:41am.
- Acknowledged an 8-minute discrepancy with dispatch log reflecting 5:49am.
- Described the scene as “semi-secured.”
Witness #2 – Cameron Larson – Medical Examiner
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Office of the Medical Examiner investigator.
Summary Of Testimony
Cameron Larson testified as an investigator with the Office of the Medical Examiner. Her testimony focused on the physical positioning of the decedent at the scene and observable conditions at the time of documentation. Cross-examination addressed the absence of specific items within her observations.
Key evidence introduced!
- Witness did not observe any Moscow mule cups while documenting the scene.
Witness #3 – David Pimentel – Sergeant, Summit County Sheriff’s Office
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Law enforcement officer responding to or involved in scene processing.
Summary Of Testimony
David Pimentel testified as a member of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office involved in the scene response. His testimony focused on the absence of visible drugs or paraphernalia and limited scene actions taken. Cross and redirect clarified how information was relayed among deputies and the requirement of probable cause for further search activity.
Key evidence introduced!
- Did not locate THC gummies.
- Did not locate drug paraphernalia.
Witness #4 – Andy Crnich – Detective, Summit County Sheriff’s Office
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Present at the scene on the date of the decedent’s death.
Summary Of Testimony
Andy Crnich testified as a member of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and volunteer firefighter who responded to the scene on 4 March 2022. His testimony addressed his presence at the residence and identification of pill bottle exhibits. Redirect clarified the limits of his role in evidence collection.
Key evidence introduced!
- Identified pill bottles shown in court as those found on the nightstand.
Witness #5 – Pamela Ulmer – Medical Examiner (Retired)
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Medical Examiner responsible for reviewing the decedent’s case in 2022.
Summary Of Testimony
Pamela Ulmer testified as a retired Medical Examiner who held the position in 2022 and was involved in the decedent’s case. Her testimony addressed qualifications, autopsy findings, toxicology results, prescription history, and communications with family members. Cross-examination focused on limitations in determining manner of death and scope of medical conclusions.
Key evidence introduced!
- Fentanyl was present at approximately 20 mg per mL.
- Fentanyl should not be present absent consumption.
- Fentanyl was present at approximately 20 mg per mL.
- Fentanyl should not be present absent consumption.Prescription history included hydrocodone (2016) and disulfiram (2019).
- A drink was reportedly consumed on the night in question.
- Manner of death could not be determined.
Witness #6 – Allyson Christensen – Medical Examiner
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Medical Examiner involved in the autopsy & assisted in examination of the decedent.
Summary Of Testimony
Allyson Christensen testified as a Medical Examiner who assisted during the autopsy of Eric Richins. Her testimony focused on her participation in the autopsy process and clarification of her role in the case. No cross-examination was conducted.
Key evidence introduced!
- None
Witness #7 – Chelsea Gibson – Lead Crime Scene Technician
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Responsible for photographing and documenting the residence.
Summary Of Testimony
Chelsea Gibson testified as the Lead Crime Scene Technician responsible for documenting the scene. Her testimony focused on photographic documentation, the absence of drug-related items in the bedroom, and digital extraction capabilities at the time of the investigation. Cross-examination was not conducted on Day 1 and is scheduled to begin on Day 3.
Key evidence introduced!
- Found THC gummies and edibles during the 12th April 2022 search pursuant to the obtained search warrant.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: Poisoned Husband Murder Trial — UT v. Kouri Richins — Day Two, Law & Crime Trials, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
LIVE: UT v. Kouri Richins – Day 2 | Grief Author Murder Trial — Day Two, Court TV, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
