Nationwide — Kouri Richins, a mother of three from Utah, has been found guilty of murdering her husband with fentanyl and committing insurance fraud, crimes prosecutors said she planned to cover her financial struggles. The jury reached a verdict on all counts after a three-week trial.
The case revolves around the 2022 death of 39-year-old Eric Richins. Authorities said Kouri gave him a lethal dose of fentanyl, about five times the fatal amount, and had previously tried to poison him with a drug-laced sandwich on Valentine’s Day. Eric was discovered dead in bed on March 4, 2022.
According to ABC News, prosecutors said Kouri, a real estate agent, bought illicit fentanyl after asking for the “Michael Jackson drug,” knowing it could kill. They argued she aimed to eliminate her husband to rescue her failing house-flipping business and gain a fresh start. She also took out a $100,000 insurance policy in his name.
During closing arguments, prosecutors highlighted texts Kouri sent to her boyfriend and statements to others that suggested she expected Eric’s death. They noted her attempt to distance herself during the 911 call and the deletion of messages from multiple contacts. Lead prosecutor Brad Bloodworth said the evidence clearly showed her motive, intent, and opportunity.
Kouri’s defense argued the case was biased and mostly circumstantial. They claimed the fentanyl could have come from another source, that she was grieving her husband, and that the insurance claims were unproven. Kouri did not testify, and no witnesses were called by the defense.
After about three hours of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts on aggravated murder, attempted murder, and two counts of insurance fraud. Sentencing is set for May 13, and Kouri Richins now faces years in prison for her husband’s death.