This is the Day 11 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 11 Trial Summary
Day 11 is procedurally narrow and evidentially light, with the majority of court time spent resolving Rule 106 motions and legal arguments, rather than advancing substantive witness testimony. The only evidentiary contribution comes from the recall of a digital forensics examiner, introducing a timestamped MMS message sent by Eric, which modestly reinforces the timeline of his activity prior to death. Overall, the day functions as a technical clarification stage, rather than materially shifting the prosecution or defence narrative.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Witness #43 – Chris Kotrodimos – Digital Forensics Examiner (Recalled Witness)
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Digital forensics expert responsible for analysing electronic communications and device data
Summary Of Testimony
Kotrodimos provides a targeted digital timestamp, reinforcing Eric’s activity and communications within the relevant timeline. The testimony is narrow in scope and does not introduce broader interpretive conclusions, but contributes to timeline precision and digital corroboration.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing of note.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: UT v. Kouri Richins – Day 11 | Grief Author Murder Trial, Court TV, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
