This is the Day 5 of 20 trial report of the murder trial of Letecia Stauch, accused of murdering her stepson Gannon Stauch however she pled not guilty by reason of insanity claiming multiple personalities compelled her to kill her stepson. A jury of her peers convicted her of all counts!
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. 1st Degree Murder – Guilty – decided on 8th May 2023
2. Tampering with physical evidence – Guilty – decided on 8th May 2023
3. Tampering with a deceased human body – Guilty – decided on 8th May 2023
Victim(s): Gannon Stauch
Date Of Murder: TBC
Killing Incident Reported: TBC
Courthouse: El Paso County District Court, Colorado
Officers of the court
Judge:
Attorneys
Prosecution:
ADA Michael Allen
ADA Angelina Gratiano
Dave Young
Defence:
Josh Tillini
Will Cook
CO v. Letecia Stauch – Day 5 Trial Summary
Day 5 of People v. Letecia Stauch marked a major evidentiary escalation in the prosecution’s case through the introduction of detailed forensic pathology findings, toxicology evidence, investigative surveillance testimony, and behavioural evidence concerning Letecia Stauch after Gannon’s disappearance. The proceedings were anchored by the testimony of Associate Medical Examiner Dr. Susan Ignacio, who formally established the extent of Gannon’s injuries, including sharp force trauma, blunt force injuries, gunshot trauma, and the presence of Hydrocodone in toxicology. The prosecution then connected those findings to household access evidence through recalled testimony from Al Stauch. Additional witnesses advanced themes of investigative concealment, suspicious behaviour, evidence collection, and defendant conduct during surveillance and media interactions.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Dr. Susan Ignacio – Associate Medical Examiner
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Associate Medical Examiner responsible for forensic examination connected to Gannon Stauch’s death.
Summary Of Testimony
Dr. Ignacio provided extensive forensic testimony regarding Gannon’s injuries and autopsy findings. She testified that Gannon’s body showed advanced decomposition and widespread discoloration. Ignacio described multiple sharp force injuries involving the clavicle, ribs, chest, upper arm, upper back, and shoulder, ultimately testifying that Gannon sustained approximately eighteen sharp force injuries in total. She additionally identified injuries on the back of the hand consistent with defensive wounds.
Ignacio further testified regarding blunt force trauma and multiple head lacerations, as well as a gunshot wound entering through the left jaw with the projectile recovered from neck tissue. Toxicology analysis revealed the presence of Hydrocodone. She concluded that the cause of death was sharp force injuries and the manner of death was homicide. On redirect, she clarified that the injuries were intentional rather than random.
Key evidence introduced!
- Multiple sharp force injuries
- Blunt force injuries and head lacerations
- Gunshot wound to left jaw
- Defensive wound testimony
- Toxicology findings involving Hydrocodone
Det. Christina Perry – Special Victims Unit
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Investigator involved in evidence collection and scene processing.
Summary Of Testimony
Perry testified that Harley Hunt refused to provide information during an investigative visit to the residence on 28 January 2020. She described biological swabs collected from several locations, including shoes, basement light switches, Gannon’s bedroom, and the bed itself. Perry additionally testified that photographs depicted bedding associated with Gannon that was missing during subsequent search warrants. She also testified she did not observe construction workers entering or exiting the residence during the relevant timeframe. Cross-examination introduced no substantive changes.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing of note.
Det. Pete Bigil – El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Investigator involved in evidence collection and scene processing.
Summary Of Testimony
Bigil testified that while searching Gannon’s bedroom, he noticed a strong ammonia smell that intensified upon entering the room, despite no visible cleaning products being present. He additionally testified that investigators observed blood-like stains on the mattress and collected two swabs for testing. No cross-examination occurred. The testimony reinforced the prosecution’s cleanup and concealment theory while strengthening the forensic evidence chain introduced earlier in the trial.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing of note.
Spencer Wilson – Reporter, KKTV 11 News
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Reporter who interviewed Letecia during the investigation.
Summary Of Testimony
Wilson testified regarding his professional background and described an encounter where Letecia criticised media coverage before agreeing to an interview while remaining inside a vehicle and concealing her face. Wilson testified that after the interview concluded, Letecia’s demeanour changed dramatically from confidence and defiance to crying and emotional distress. The recorded interview was played for the jury, during which Letecia stated she would never want to hurt Gannon.
On cross-examination, Wilson confirmed that Letecia stated she concealed her face because she feared for her safety. Jury questions further explored how rapidly her emotional presentation changed after filming.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing of note.
Full report below!
Sources:
Letecia Stauch Trial, The Trial Channel, Youtube Channel, Playlist, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLq-6my_qlf-Lt1H2__FclEoRjE8_R0ls
