This is the Day 4 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 4 Trial Summary
Day 4 shifted the prosecution’s case from laboratory science into digital authentication and alleged drug procurement. The morning completed cross-examination of Chelsea Gibson, focusing on repeated searches and investigative scope. The toxicology findings were reinforced through Brianna Peterson, confirming illicit fentanyl at 29 ng/mL while preserving uncertainty about ingestion timing and method. Digital evidence authentication followed through device seizure and extraction testimony. The most consequential testimony came from Carmen Lauber, who alleged she purchased drugs for the defendant on four occasions and described text communications, payment, and delivery instructions. Cross-examination immediately placed her credibility, prior inconsistent statements, and cooperation incentives into issue. Court adjourned with cross-examination ongoing.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Witness #7 – Chelsea Gibson – Lead Crime Scene Technician (Continuation)
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Responsible for photographing and documenting the residence on 4 March 2022.
Summary Of Testimony
Gibson clarified investigative evolution over months. She confirmed fentanyl was never recovered at the residence and acknowledged certain areas and vehicles were not searched. She also confirmed later recovery of items consistent with prior statements. Cross-examination emphasized scope limitations and absence of a fentanyl source.
Key evidence introduced!
- Vehicles searched April 13; detached garage vehicle not searched.
- No fentanyl recovered during second search.
- December return search recovered copper cups, gummies, and a sheet.
- Searches expanded following information from a private investigator.
Witness #8 – Brianna Peterson – Forensic Toxicologist
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Issued toxicology report.
Summary Of Testimony
Peterson quantified fentanyl presence and confirmed illicit classification. She clarified that toxicology cannot determine exact ingestion timing or delivery mechanism. Cross-examination emphasized laboratory limits rather than disputing fentanyl presence.
Key evidence introduced!
- Cedal fentanyl detected at 29 ng/mL.
- Fentanyl classified as illicit and not prescribed.
Witness #9 – Frank Root – Detective
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Collected Grossman’s phones.
Summary Of Testimony
Root authenticated phone seizure but acknowledged uncertainty regarding instruction motive and device condition discrepancy. Cross focused on chain-of-command and operability inconsistency.
Key evidence introduced!
- Phones described as inoperable due to breakage.
- Phones reportedly operable at time of collection.
Witness #10 – Cheney Eng-Tow – Forensic Data Analyst
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Conducted extraction of iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Summary Of Testimony
Eng-Tow authenticated digital extraction process and integrity safeguards. Cross did not undermine extraction reliability, only highlighting excessive extractions.
Key evidence introduced!
- None of note.
Witness #11 – Brian Holden – Forensic Scientist
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Tested physical items in the case.
Summary Of Testimony
Holden confirmed limits of pharmaceutical testing scope. Cross-examination placed omissions in testing into the record.
Key evidence introduced!
- None of note.
Witness #12 – Carmen Lauber – Housekeeper / Cooperating Witness
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Alleged intermediary in drug purchases.
Summary Of Testimony
Lauber alleged she procured drugs for the defendant on multiple occasions and described communication and payment arrangements. She acknowledged immunity contingent on truthful testimony. Cross-examination focused heavily on inconsistencies between interviews and current testimony, memory lapses, drug court violations, deletion of messages, and evolving statements regarding fentanyl requests. Cross continues into Day 5.
Key evidence introduced!
- None of note.Named suppliers: Susan Koller, Robert Draper, Robert Crozier.
- Text messages introduced (Nicole Cummings communication).
- Facebook messages introduced (Robert Crozier communication).
- $1,300 cheque introduced.
- Deleted text messages due to drug court restrictions.
- Admitted prior drug history and drug court participation.
- Confirmed seven prior interviews.
- Acknowledged prior omissions and inconsistencies.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: UT v. Kouri Richins – Day 4 | Grief Author Murder Trial — Day Four, Court TV, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
