This is the Day 3 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 3 Trial Summary
Day 3 was narrow but strategically important. The prosecution remained in its presentation phase, but the day was dominated entirely by cross-examination of Lead Crime Scene Technician Chelsea Gibson. The defence focused on the scope and completeness of scene documentation, specifically what was not photographed, not collected, and not searched. No new forensic conclusions were introduced; instead, the evidentiary battlefield shifted to investigative thoroughness and documentation gaps. Court recessed early due to scheduling conflicts, with cross-examination set to continue on Day 4.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
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 on 4 March 2022.
Summary Of Testimony
Cross-examination concentrated on omissions in documentation and evidence handling. The defence highlighted areas not photographed, not entered, and not searched, including the kitchen and sink. Gibson acknowledged limitations in her collection decisions and confirmed that certain pill bottles were not taken into custody. The emphasis of the day was not on what was found, but on what was not documented or preserved.
Key evidence introduced!
- None
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: UT v. Kouri Richins – Day 3 | Grief Author Murder Trial — Day Two, Court TV, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
