Utah Mother Found Guilty of Poisoning Husband

Kouri Richins convicted of murder, attempted murder, insurance fraud in plot to inherit $4 million

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:54am

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A Utah mother of three, Kouri Richins, was found guilty of murdering her husband Eric Richins by poisoning him with a lethal dose of fentanyl. Prosecutors argued Richins was deeply in debt and killed her husband for financial gain, opening multiple life insurance policies on him without his knowledge totaling $2 million. Richins later wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of domestic violence and financial crimes, as well as the troubling trend of individuals exploiting tragedies for personal gain. It also raises questions about the mental health and motivations of those who commit such heinous acts.

The details

Richins was accused of mixing a lethal dose of fentanyl into a drink she made for her husband. Prosecutors said she planned to start a new life with a man she was having an affair with. Richins owed over $3.1 million related to her house-flipping business at the time of her husband's death. However, Eric Richins had quietly put much of his estate into a trust under his sister's name, foiling Richins' alleged plot.

  • On March 3, 2022, prosecutors said Richins spiked her husband's drink with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl.
  • On Valentine's Day, weeks earlier, Richins allegedly tried to kill her husband by poisoning his favorite sandwich with fentanyl.

The players

Kouri Richins

A 35-year-old Utah mother of three who was found guilty of murdering her husband, Eric Richins, by poisoning him with fentanyl. She was also convicted of attempted murder, insurance fraud, and forgery.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' 39-year-old husband, who owned a stone masonry business. He died after ingesting a lethal dose of fentanyl that prosecutors say was mixed into a drink by his wife.

Brad Bloodworth

The Summit County prosecutor who argued that Richins was an "intensely ambitious person" with a plan to leave her husband and start a new life with another man.

Carmen Lauber

The housekeeper who told prosecutors that Richins had asked her for "something stronger," specifically requesting "the Michael Jackson stuff."

Jeff O'Driscoll

The lead investigator on the case, who testified that law enforcement authorities did not find evidence of fentanyl on any glasses or straws in the home.

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What they’re saying

“There was a way forward. Eric had to die.”

— Brad Bloodworth, Summit County prosecutor (New York Times)

“Every fact that the state has put forth has another reasonable explanation. The investigation was nothing but sloppy, it was driven by bias.”

— Wendy Lewis, Lawyer for Kouri Richins (New York Times)

What’s next

Richins is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13. She faces 25 years to life in prison.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence, financial crimes, and the exploitation of personal tragedies. It underscores the importance of thorough investigations, mental health support, and safeguards to prevent such horrific acts from occurring in the future.