Utah Mom Accused of Killing Husband for Money After Writing Grief Book

Prosecutors allege Kouri Richins slipped fentanyl into her husband's drink, leading to his death.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:12pm

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Prosecutors in Utah have accused Kouri Richins of killing her husband Eric Richins for his money, just months after she published a children's book about grief following his death. They allege Richins slipped a lethal dose of fentanyl into a cocktail she made for her husband, causing his death in March 2022. Richins has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated murder, which carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Why it matters

This case has drawn national attention for the shocking allegations that a woman who wrote a book to help her children process grief after her husband's death may have actually killed him for financial gain. It raises questions about the lengths some may go to in order to profit from tragedy and the challenges of proving premeditated murder.

The details

Prosecutors say Richins, 35, was $4.5 million in debt and falsely believed she would inherit her husband's estate worth more than $4 million. They allege she also tried to kill him weeks earlier on Valentine's Day with a fentanyl-laced sandwich. Richins' defense team has argued the prosecution's case is full of holes and leaves much to speculation.

  • Eric Richins died in March 2022 at the couple's home just outside Park City.
  • Kouri Richins was arrested in May 2023, about a year after her husband's death.
  • The trial began in early 2026 and was scheduled to last 5 weeks, but was cut short when Richins waived her right to testify.

The players

Kouri Richins

A 35-year-old Utah woman accused of killing her husband Eric Richins for his money, just months after publishing a children's book about grief following his death.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' husband, who died in March 2022 in what prosecutors allege was a murder orchestrated by his wife.

Brad Bloodworth

The Summit County prosecutor leading the case against Kouri Richins.

Carmen Lauber

The family's housekeeper who claims to have sold fentanyl to Kouri Richins on multiple occasions and is a key witness for the prosecution.

Wendy Lewis

An attorney representing Kouri Richins, who has sought to discredit the prosecution's star witness Carmen Lauber.

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What they’re saying

“She wanted to leave Eric Richins but did not want to leave his money.”

— Brad Bloodworth, Summit County prosecutor

“It's the sound of a wife becoming a black widow.”

— Brad Bloodworth, Summit County prosecutor

“There are two sides to every story. This is a true Kouri, a devoted wife and adoring mother. Thought you should know.”

— Anonymous

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Kouri Richins out on bail as the trial continues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex dynamics of grief, financial motives, and the challenges of proving premeditated murder, especially when the accused has taken steps to seemingly process their loss through creative means like a children's book.