Utah Woman Found Guilty of Fatally Poisoning Husband with Fentanyl

Kouri Richins convicted of aggravated murder after jury trial

Mar. 20, 2026 at 8:29pm

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A Utah woman named Kouri Richins has been found guilty of murdering her husband Eric Richins by fatally poisoning him with fentanyl in 2022. Prosecutors argued that Richins killed her husband for financial gain, as she was in 'financial desperation' due to debts from her house flipping business. Richins was also convicted of insurance fraud for taking out a $100,000 life insurance policy on her husband with his forged signature. Richins faces 25 years to life in prison at her sentencing in May.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of fentanyl-related deaths and the lengths some may go to financially benefit from a loved one's death. It also raises questions about the role of mental health, financial pressures, and domestic dynamics in driving such tragic crimes.

The details

Prosecutors alleged that Kouri Richins killed her husband Eric Richins by giving him a lethal dose of fentanyl in a cocktail in March 2022. An autopsy found the fentanyl level in his blood was about five times the lethal dosage. Richins was also accused of attempting to kill her husband two weeks earlier by lacing his sandwich with fentanyl. Prosecutors argued Richins was motivated by financial desperation and a desire for a 'fresh start' without her husband, though his assets were in a trust controlled by his sister.

  • Eric Richins was found dead in bed on March 4, 2022.
  • Kouri Richins was arrested in May 2023 following a lengthy investigation.
  • Kouri Richins was found guilty by a jury on March 20, 2026 after about three hours of deliberations.
  • Kouri Richins' sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026.

The players

Kouri Richins

A 35-year-old Utah woman who was found guilty of murdering her husband Eric Richins by fatally poisoning him with fentanyl.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' 39-year-old husband who was found dead in bed in March 2022 from fentanyl intoxication.

Ali Staking

A friend of the Richins family who was 'devastated' by Eric Richins' sudden death and had doubts about whether Kouri Richins was involved.

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What they’re saying

“I said, along the way, 'Sometimes it looks like Kouri might have done it.' Then my kids would say, 'Well, did she?' And I'd say 'I don't think so. But, you know, it sometimes looks like it.'”

— Ali Staking, Friend of the Richins family

“He had so much more life to live and he wanted so much for his boys. I'm gonna remember just how much he loved them.”

— Ali Staking, Friend of the Richins family

What’s next

Kouri Richins' sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026, where she faces 25 years to life in prison for the aggravated murder conviction.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of fentanyl abuse and the lengths some may go to financially benefit from a loved one's death. It underscores the need for greater awareness, prevention, and support around substance abuse and domestic violence issues.