Utah Mom Accused of Killing Husband Faces Ex-Boyfriend's Emotional Testimony

Kouri Richins' ex-boyfriend Robert Josh Grossman grew emotional on the stand as prosecutors read texts the accused murderer allegedly sent before her husband's death.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three and children's book author, is accused of lacing her husband Eric's bedtime Moscow mule with five times a lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022. At her aggravated murder trial, her ex-boyfriend Robert Josh Grossman testified and grew emotional as prosecutors read text messages between him and Richins.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex dynamics and potential motives behind domestic violence and homicide, as well as the role that digital evidence like text messages can play in criminal investigations. Richins' alleged actions have also raised questions about the financial pressures and stresses that can drive individuals to commit such acts.

The details

Prosecutors allege that Richins, who had started a real estate business flipping houses, owed lenders 'at least $1,847,760' and believed she would be the beneficiary of life insurance policies on her husband that would cover her debt. In one text exchange prior to Eric's death, Richins allegedly texted Grossman, 'If he could just go away and you could just be here! Life would be so perfect!!!'

  • Richins and Grossman began a romantic relationship in early 2020 after he moved to Utah for a job working with her.
  • Eric Richins died in March 2022.
  • Richins was arrested after her husband's death, at which point Grossman said he was 'overwhelmed with guilt, sorrow over my wrongdoings, infidelity.'

The players

Kouri Richins

A Utah mother of three and children's book author accused of killing her husband Eric Richins by lacing his drink with a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Robert Josh Grossman

Kouri Richins' ex-boyfriend who testified at her aggravated murder trial, growing emotional as prosecutors read text messages between him and Richins.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' husband, who died in March 2022 after allegedly being poisoned by his wife.

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What they’re saying

“If I was divorced right now and ask you to marry me tomorrow, you would?”

— Kouri Richins (KSL)

“Yes. In Love with Y O U! Of course I would”

— Robert Josh Grossman (KSL)

“If he could just go away and you could just be here! Life would be so perfect!!!”

— Kouri Richins (KSL)

“We sat there and talked for quite a while. … I had never seen her that way, obviously, and it was a heavy conversation, and I'm not used to that with her. She's not used to being open like that. She asked if I had ever killed anybody. … She asked me how it made me feel or something along those lines. And then I answered her.”

— Robert Josh Grossman (KSL)

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 case highlights the complex dynamics and potential motives behind domestic violence and homicide, as well as the role that digital evidence like text messages can play in criminal investigations. It also raises questions about the financial pressures and stresses that can drive individuals to commit such acts.