Utah Author Accused of Killing Husband for Money

Prosecutors say Kouri Richins poisoned her husband Eric with fentanyl to inherit his $4 million estate.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:08pm

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Kouri Richins, a Utah mother and children's book author, is on trial for allegedly killing her husband Eric Richins by slipping a lethal dose of fentanyl into his drink in March 2022. Prosecutors claim Richins was $4.5 million in debt and wanted to inherit Eric's $4 million estate, while the defense argues Eric may have accidentally overdosed on painkillers he was addicted to.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of fentanyl-related deaths and the potential motivations behind such crimes, including financial gain. It also raises questions about the role of mental health, addiction, and domestic issues in these types of tragic incidents.

The details

Prosecutors allege that Richins killed her husband by putting five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in his Moscow mule cocktail. They also claim she tried to poison him a month earlier on Valentine's Day with a fentanyl-laced sandwich. After Eric's death, Richins self-published a children's book about grief. The defense argues Eric had Lyme disease and was addicted to painkillers, suggesting he may have accidentally overdosed. They also say the key witness, the housekeeper, did not actually provide Richins with fentanyl.

  • Eric Richins died in March 2022.
  • Kouri Richins was arrested in May 2023.
  • The trial is slated to run through March 26, 2026.

The players

Kouri Richins

A 35-year-old Utah mother and children's book author accused of killing her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' husband, who died in March 2022 under suspicious circumstances.

Brad Bloodworth

The Summit County prosecutor handling the case against Kouri Richins.

Kathryn Nester

The defense attorney representing Kouri Richins.

Carmen Lauber

The housekeeper who claims to have sold fentanyl to Kouri Richins on three occasions.

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What they’re saying

“The evidence will prove that Kouri Richins murdered Eric for his money and to get a fresh start at life. More than anything, she wanted his money to perpetuate her facade of privilege, affluence and success.”

— Brad Bloodworth, Summit County prosecutor (wral.com)

“Those were the sounds of a wife becoming a widow.”

— Kathryn Nester, Defense attorney (wral.com)

What’s next

The trial is expected to continue through March 26, 2026, and the judge will decide whether to allow Kouri Richins out on bail during the proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding fentanyl-related deaths, including potential financial motives, addiction struggles, and the role of mental health in domestic disputes. It raises important questions about how to address the opioid crisis and protect vulnerable individuals and families.