Utah Author Convicted of Murdering Husband with Fentanyl

Kouri Richins found guilty of poisoning Eric Richins to gain control of his multi-million dollar estate

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:04am

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Kouri Richins, a 33-year-old Utah author who gained national attention for writing a children's book about grieving, has been found guilty of murdering her husband Eric Richins by poisoning him with a lethal dose of fentanyl. Prosecutors successfully argued that Richins killed her husband to resolve financial disputes and gain control over his multi-million dollar estate, including taking out unauthorized life insurance policies and purchasing a $2.9 million luxury home on the day he died.

Why it matters

This case has captured public attention due to the stark contrast between Richins' public persona as a grieving widow writing to help bereaved children, and the prosecution's portrayal of her as a calculating murderer driven by financial motives. It raises questions about the lengths some may go to in order to gain control over wealth and assets, even at the cost of a loved one's life.

The details

Authorities alleged that Richins poisoned her husband's drink with a fatal dose of fentanyl during a celebration at their home in March 2022. A medical examiner confirmed that Eric Richins had over five times the lethal amount of the drug in his system. Police also found evidence that Richins had attempted to kill her husband weeks earlier on Valentine's Day by hiding fentanyl in a sandwich. The prosecution argued that Richins' motive was to gain control of her husband's multi-million dollar estate, including taking out unauthorized life insurance policies and purchasing a $2.9 million home on the day he died.

  • In March 2022, Kouri Richins allegedly poisoned her husband Eric Richins' drink with a lethal dose of fentanyl.
  • Weeks earlier, in February 2022, Richins allegedly attempted to kill her husband by hiding fentanyl in a sandwich he ate.

The players

Kouri Richins

A 33-year-old Utah author who was found guilty of murdering her husband Eric Richins by poisoning him with fentanyl.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' husband, who died after being poisoned with a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Carmen Lauber

The family's cleaner who admitted to sourcing narcotics for Kouri Richins, including what the prosecution identified as a potent sedative.

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What they’re saying

“After three weeks of testimony and closing arguments, this case is finally where it belongs: in the hands of the jury.”

— Wendy Lewis, Kathy Nester, and Alex Ramos, Attorneys for Kouri Richins

“If I die, Eric did it.”

— Kouri Richins

What’s next

Kouri Richins is due back in court on May 13th at 9:30 a.m. MST to learn her sentence, which could potentially be life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dark side of greed and the lengths some will go to in order to gain control over wealth and assets, even at the cost of a loved one's life. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of financial transparency and the need for robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.