Utah Woman Convicted of Murdering Husband After Writing Grief Book

Kouri Richins found guilty of poisoning husband with fentanyl and fraudulently claiming insurance benefits

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:03am

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A Utah woman has been convicted of aggravated murder after poisoning her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl and then self-publishing a children's book about coping with grief. Prosecutors said Kouri Richins was deep in debt and falsely believed she would inherit her husband's $4 million estate if he died. Richins was also convicted of attempted murder, forgery, and fraudulently claiming insurance benefits.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of greed, deception, and the abuse of trust within a marriage. It raises questions about the mental health and motivations of those who commit such heinous crimes, as well as the importance of thorough investigations and the role of forensic evidence in securing justice.

The details

Prosecutors said Kouri Richins slipped five times the lethal dose of fentanyl into a cocktail that her husband Eric Richins drank in March 2022. They also accused her of attempting to poison him weeks earlier on Valentine's Day with a fentanyl-laced sandwich. Richins was $4.5 million in debt and allegedly believed she would inherit her husband's $4 million estate if he died. The jury deliberated for just under three hours before convicting Richins of aggravated murder, attempted murder, forgery, and fraudulently claiming insurance benefits.

  • On March 2022, Kouri Richins allegedly poisoned her husband Eric Richins with a lethal dose of fentanyl.
  • On Valentine's Day 2022, Richins allegedly attempted to poison her husband with a fentanyl-laced sandwich.
  • Richins' sentencing is scheduled for May 13, which would have been her husband's 44th birthday.

The players

Kouri Richins

A 35-year-old Utah woman convicted of murdering her husband Eric Richins by poisoning him with fentanyl, as well as other felonies including attempted murder, forgery, and fraudulently claiming insurance benefits.

Eric Richins

Kouri Richins' husband, who died after being poisoned by his wife with a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Brad Bloodworth

The Summit County prosecutor who argued that Richins murdered her husband to inherit his $4 million estate.

Carmen Lauber

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

Amy Richins

Eric Richins' sister, who expressed relief at the verdict and said the family can now focus on honoring her brother and supporting his sons.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly I feel like we're all in shock. It's been a long time coming. Just very happy that we got justice for my brother.”

— Amy Richins, Eric Richins' sister (Instagram)

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

— Brad Bloodworth, Summit County prosecutor (dailyrecordnews.com)

“Give us the details that will ensure Kouri gets convicted of murder.”

— Unidentified man (Video footage)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on May 13 whether to sentence Kouri Richins to 25 years to life in prison for the aggravated murder conviction.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of greed, deception, and the betrayal of trust within a marriage. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of thorough investigations, the role of forensic evidence, and the need for the justice system to hold those who commit such heinous crimes accountable.