This is the Day 9 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 9 Trial Summary
Day 9 shifts from a structured financial motive (Day 8) to behavioural, relational, and statement-based evidence. The prosecution introduced incriminating statements made by Kouri Richins (e.g. “better off dead”), Jail calls showing mindset and defensiveness, her friends’ testimony on finances, marriage tension, and post-death conduct, and prior “poisoning” narrative. The defence response focused on alternative explanations for accidental ingestion, and relationship complexity of Kouri and Eric.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Witness #35 – Becky Lloyd – Co Worker
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Co-worker who interacted with Kouri and Eric and observed their relationship dynamics.
Summary Of Testimony
Lloyd testified that Kouri made a potentially incriminating statement during a marital dispute, but her certainty was weakened by prior inconsistencies and the circumstances of the conversation.
Key evidence introduced!
- Kouri allegedly said Eric would be “better off dead”
Witness #36 – Gabe Morin – Diner Owner
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Owner of diner linked to food purchase tied to timeline.
Summary Of Testimony
Morin established a precise timeline for a food order, providing a potential opportunity window, while the defence explored whether the food could have been altered.
Key evidence introduced!
- To-go order:
- Placed: 8:55 AM
- Picked up: 9:07 AM
Witness #37 – Joshua Kaze – Friend of Eric
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Close friend of Eric Richins with personal and recreational relationship.
Summary Of Testimony
Kaze testified that Eric was not a drug user, reinforcing that drug ingestion (e.g. fentanyl) would be inconsistent with his habits.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing of note.
Witness #38 – Chelsea Barney – Friend of Kouri
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Long-time friend involved in financial dealings and post-death communications with Kouri.
Summary Of Testimony
Barney provided extensive evidence showing financial conflict, post-death behaviour, and Kouri’s own statements, illustrating both motive (financial pressure) and her reactions after Eric’s death.
Key evidence introduced!
- Kouri trying to access safe/will
Witness #39 – Ali Staking – Friend of Kouri
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Long-time friend aware of Kouri’s relationship, behaviour, and prior events.
Summary Of Testimony
Staking introduced evidence of a prior poisoning-related narrative and substance issues within the relationship, while also supporting an alternative explanation of accidental or adverse reactions rather than intentional harm.
Key evidence introduced!
- Eric allegedly joked Kouri tried to poison him.
- THC gummies caused sickness for Kouri Richins.
- Kouri could not access will.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: UT v. Kouri Richins – Day 9 | Grief Author Murder Trial, Court TV, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
