Utah Mom Accused of Killing Husband, Then Writing Children's Book About Grief

Prosecutors say Kouri Richins murdered her husband Eric for his $4 million estate, while her defense claims he overdosed on painkillers.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 12:53am

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Kouri Richins, a 35-year-old Utah mother and children's book author, is on trial for allegedly killing her husband Eric Richins with a lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022. Prosecutors claim Richins was $4.5 million in debt and wanted to inherit Eric's $4 million estate, while her defense argues Eric had a history of Lyme disease and painkiller addiction and may have overdosed accidentally.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding domestic violence, financial motives, and the exploitation of grief, as well as the ongoing opioid crisis and challenges in proving cause of death in overdose cases.

The details

Prosecutors allege Richins slipped five times the lethal dose of fentanyl into a cocktail that Eric drank, and also 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, which prosecutors say was part of an elaborate cover-up. The defense argues Eric had a history of Lyme disease and painkiller addiction, and may have overdosed accidentally.

  • In March 2022, Eric Richins died at the couple's home outside Park City, Utah.
  • A month earlier, in February 2022, prosecutors say Kouri Richins allegedly tried to poison Eric with a fentanyl-laced sandwich.
  • Kouri Richins was arrested in May 2023 and is now on trial, with the case expected 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 a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' husband, who prosecutors say she killed for his $4 million estate, though the defense claims he had a history of Lyme disease and painkiller addiction.

Brad Bloodworth

The Summit County prosecutor handling the case against Kouri Richins.

Kathryn Nester

The defense attorney representing Kouri Richins.

Katie Richins-Benson

Eric Richins' sister, who testified that their mother was a drug and alcohol counselor who had warned them about the dangers of drug use.

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What they’re saying

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

— Kathryn Nester, Defense attorney

“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

“I observed that she was not how she normally was. She was very well put together. She had a matching pajama-esque outfit on. Her hair was all done up.”

— Katie Richins-Benson, Eric Richins' sister

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kouri Richins out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex issues surrounding domestic violence, financial motives, and the exploitation of grief, as well as the ongoing opioid crisis and challenges in proving cause of death in overdose cases. It raises important questions about how to support families affected by addiction and ensure justice is served, while also examining the role of mental health, wealth, and power dynamics in domestic relationships.