Utah Woman Found Guilty of Fatally Poisoning Husband with Fentanyl

Kouri Richins convicted of aggravated murder, faces 25 years to life in prison

Mar. 20, 2026 at 11:29pm

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A jury in Utah has found Kouri Richins guilty of fatally poisoning her husband Eric Richins with a lethal dose of fentanyl in 2022. Prosecutors argued that Richins killed her husband for financial gain, as she was in 'financial desperation' due to debts in 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.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of fentanyl-related deaths and the lengths some may go to in order to profit from a loved one's death. It also raises questions about the mental state and motivations of those accused of such heinous crimes, as well as the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in holding them accountable.

The details

Kouri Richins was found guilty of aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder after prosecutors argued she gave her husband Eric a lethal dose of fentanyl in a cocktail, as well as a sandwich laced with the drug two weeks earlier in a failed attempt. Authorities say the level of fentanyl in Eric's blood was approximately five times the lethal dosage. Richins was also convicted of insurance fraud for taking out a $100,000 policy on her husband's life with his forged signature and submitting a claim after his death.

  • Eric Richins was found dead in bed on March 4, 2022.
  • Kouri Richins was arrested in May 2023 following a lengthy investigation.
  • The jury found Kouri Richins guilty on Monday, March 18, 2026.
  • Kouri Richins' sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026.

The players

Kouri Richins

A 35-year-old Utah mother of three who was found guilty of fatally poisoning her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' 39-year-old husband who died from fentanyl intoxication in March 2022.

Ali Staking

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

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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.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of fentanyl abuse and the lengths some may go to in order to profit from a loved one's death. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing the opioid crisis and ensuring the criminal justice system holds those responsible for such heinous crimes accountable.