Jury deliberates in murder trial of Utah mom accused of poisoning husband

Kouri Richins, a 35-year-old real estate agent and children's book author, is accused of fatally poisoning her husband Eric Richins.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:22pm

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Eight jurors are now deliberating whether or not Kouri Richins killed her husband, Eric Richins, after hearing attorneys on both sides summarize what they want the jurors to focus on from three weeks of trial. Prosecutors allege Richins fatally poisoned her husband, while her attorneys argue there is insufficient evidence for a guilty verdict.

Why it matters

This high-profile case has drawn significant attention, with prosecutors alleging Richins was motivated by financial gain and an intense desire for success, while her defense argues the investigation was flawed and biased. The outcome of the trial could have major implications for Richins and her family.

The details

Prosecutors say Richins, a 35-year-old Kamas mom, real estate agent and children's book author, is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, who was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of March 4, 2022. They allege she purchased and received illicit street drugs, and that the amount of fentanyl found in Eric's system, five times what could be lethal, shows she wanted him 'not only dead but good and dead.' Richins' attorneys argue there is insufficient evidence for a guilty verdict, and that if she thought she had obtained oxycodone and Eric took it voluntarily, that is not murder.

  • Richins' husband, Eric Richins, was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of March 4, 2022.
  • The trial has been ongoing for three weeks.

The players

Kouri Richins

A 35-year-old Kamas mom, real estate agent and children's book author who is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' husband, who was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of March 4, 2022.

Brad Bloodworth

A deputy Utah County attorney prosecuting the case against Kouri Richins.

Wendy Lewis

An attorney representing Kouri Richins in her defense.

Carmen Lauber

A witness who testified about providing illicit drugs to Kouri Richins.

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What they’re saying

“She was a risk-taker; there was a way forward. Eric had to die.”

— Brad Bloodworth, Deputy Utah County attorney (KSL)

“Do not let them fool you. Do not fall for red herrings. Kouri Richins did not kill Eric Richins. The state did not prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt, and you have the courage. Have the courage to tell them this and find Kouri Richins not guilty.”

— Wendy Lewis, Attorney representing Kouri Richins (KSL)

“If Kouri was as motivated by money as they would have you think, would she really have killed her wealthy husband to run off with a handyman who lived for free in one of her houses? … Eric was worth so much more to Kouri alive than dead.”

— Wendy Lewis, Attorney representing Kouri Richins (KSL)

What’s next

The jury will continue deliberating to determine whether Kouri Richins is guilty or not guilty of the charges against her.

The takeaway

This high-profile case has raised questions about the strength of the prosecution's evidence, the integrity of the investigation, and the potential motivations behind the alleged murder. The jury's decision will have significant implications for Kouri Richins and her family.