This is the Day 8 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 8 Trial Summary
Day 8 was financial plus relational motive consolidation. The prosecution builds a multi-layered motive structure which included Insurance activity + beneficiary manipulation, estate restructuring limiting Kouri’s control, potential divorce trajectory, and extramarital relationship. At the same time, the defence introduces key friction points such as no confirmed divorce action, memory inconsistencies of witnesses vs text evidence and providing alternative interpretations of Eric’s planning (estate vs divorce).
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Witness #27 – Lashawnda Rodgers – Insurance Broker at New York Life
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Insurance representative handling policy records connected to Eric Richins and associated beneficiary changes.
Summary Of Testimony
Rodgers established that life insurance policies were actively manipulated close in time, but could not definitively confirm that Kouri herself performed the actions tied to the IP or email account.
Key evidence introduced!
- Confirmed Beneficiary changes that switched multiple times, including same-day reversals
Witness #28 – Brian Freckleton – Financial Advisor
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Financial advisor managing business-related insurance structures between Eric Richins and Cody Wright.
Summary Of Testimony
Freckleton explained the financial structure and insurance framework, establishing that significant payouts were embedded in business arrangements tied to Eric’s death.
Key evidence introduced!
- Buy-sell agreement:
- $4 million business valuation
- $2 million payout upon death
Witness #29 – Anne Coates – CMFG Life Insurance
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Claims manager overseeing the life insurance claim following Eric Richins’ death.
Summary Of Testimony
Coates established that Kouri showed specific awareness and interest in fentanyl during the claim process and Eric died from a substance not medically prescribed.
Key evidence introduced!
- $250,000 life insurance policy:
- Application (Feb 2022)
- Payment issued (June 2022)
- Kouri asked whether Eric had been prescribed fentanyl
Witness #30 – Kristin Miller – Divorce Attorney
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Divorce attorney consulted by Eric Richins prior to his death.
Summary Of Testimony
Miller testified that Eric initiated steps toward divorce but did not follow through, leaving ambiguity as to whether he intended to proceed or was exploring options.
Key evidence introduced!
- Eric:
- Contacted attorney via Clint Benson
- Attended consultation
Witness #31 – Crystal Bowman-Carter – Estate Planner
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Estate planner who structured Eric Richins’ financial and trust arrangements.
Summary Of Testimony
Bowman-Carter established that Eric was actively restructuring his estate to limit Kouri’s control, indicating financial separation and distrust.
Key evidence introduced!
- Kouri reacted strongly when told house was in trust
- Eric raised issues about Kouri’s handling of money
- Power of attorney assigned to Katie Richins Benson
Witness #32 – Robert Joshua Grossman – Kouri’s Affair Partner
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Kouri Richins’ extramarital partner during the relevant period.
Summary Of Testimony
Grossman confirmed an ongoing affair and emotional relationship, including continued involvement after Eric’s death, while also revealing inconsistencies between his memory and documented texts.
Key evidence introduced!
- Kouri asked if he had ever killed anyone
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: UT v. Kouri Richins – Day 8 | Grief Author Murder Trial, Court TV, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
