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Crime scene tech to return Thursday in Kouri Richins murder trial
The defense attorney questioned the technician about her process for collecting evidence at the Richins' home.
Feb. 25, 2026 at 8:11pm
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Chelsea Gipson, a crime scene investigation technician, returned to the witness stand Wednesday to testify about evidence she helped collect at the home of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother accused of fatally poisoning her husband. After roughly an hour of testimony, the judge called for a break and then excused the jurors for the day, telling Gipson she would return to testify on Thursday. Gipson has already talked about prescription bottles, phones, THC edibles, and a set of tweezers found in a woman's jacket pocket, but the significance of the tweezers has not yet been explained.
Why it matters
The crime scene evidence collected by Gipson is crucial to the prosecution's case against Kouri Richins, who is charged with aggravated murder and attempted murder for allegedly killing her husband, Eric Richins, with a fatal dose of fentanyl. The defense is likely to scrutinize Gipson's testimony and the handling of the evidence as they build their case.
The details
Gipson testified that she went to the Richins' home on eight different occasions and took photos, scans, and collected evidence, including the morning Eric Richins died, about a month later, and after Kouri Richins was arrested on May 8, 2023. The defense attorney, Kathy Nester, questioned Gipson about her general duties and process for keeping evidence, as well as why she took a bedsheet into evidence from Eric Richins' bedroom and how she accessed the 911 call Kouri Richins made to report that he was not breathing and cold.
- Gipson testified on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
- Gipson is scheduled to return to the witness stand on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The players
Chelsea Gipson
A crime scene investigation technician who collected evidence at the Richins' home.
Kouri Richins
A Utah mother and real estate agent who is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a fatal dose of fentanyl.
Eric Richins
Kouri Richins' husband, who died after allegedly being poisoned by his wife.
Kathy Nester
The defense attorney for Kouri Richins.
Richard Mrazik
The 3rd District Judge presiding over the Kouri Richins murder trial.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
