- Kouri Richins was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the fentanyl poisoning death of her husband, Eric Richins.
- Prosecutors presented evidence that Richins had previously attempted to poison Eric weeks before his death.
- Richins wrote a children's book about grief shortly after her husband's death, drawing national attention to her case.
PARK CITY, UTAH — A Utah mother who wrote a children’s book about grief after her husband’s death has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing him with fentanyl. The case adds to other Utah family tragedies, including one where a Utah cheer mom and her daughter were found dead in a Las Vegas hotel room.
Kouri Richins was sentenced Wednesday after a jury convicted her of aggravated murder in the death of her husband, Eric Richins. Prosecutors said she poisoned him with a fentanyl-laced drink inside their Kamas home in March 2022.
Judge Richard Mrazik imposed the maximum sentence, saying Richins was too dangerous to ever be free.
Husband Poisoned With Fentanyl
Prosecutors said Richins gave Eric a Moscow Mule laced with a lethal amount of fentanyl while their sons were sleeping in the home.
Jurors also heard evidence that Richins had previously tried to poison Eric weeks earlier by putting fentanyl in a sandwich. Prosecutors argued that she later tried again and succeeded.
The medical examiner found fentanyl in Eric’s system, and investigators later built a case around financial records, insurance claims, digital evidence, and witness testimony.
Financial Motive Cited at Trial
During trial, prosecutors argued that Richins was deep in debt and believed she would benefit financially from Eric’s death.
They said she had fraudulently claimed insurance benefits, forged documents, and expected to gain access to his estate and other financial assets. Reports said Eric’s estate was worth more than $4 million.
Richins was also convicted of attempted murder, insurance fraud, and forgery.
Children’s Grief Book Drew National Attention
Richins drew national attention after publishing a children’s book about grief following Eric’s death. She promoted the book publicly before her arrest, saying it was intended to help children cope with the loss of a loved one.
Prosecutors later used the book’s timing as part of the broader narrative surrounding the case.
At sentencing, Richins addressed the court for about 30 minutes and spoke largely to her 3 sons. She maintained her innocence and said she would appeal.
Sons Asked for Maximum Sentence
Court filings and victim impact statements showed Richins’ sons wanted her to remain in prison for life.
Reports said the boys, who are now in the care of Eric’s family, expressed fear that she could harm them or other relatives if released.
Eric’s family also asked the judge to impose the harshest possible sentence, saying his murder devastated the family.
Life Without Parole
Judge Mrazik sentenced Richins to life without the possibility of parole for aggravated murder. He also imposed additional consecutive sentences for attempted murder, fraudulent insurance claims, and forgery.
Summit County prosecutors called the sentencing a somber day to remember and honor Eric Richins and those who loved him.
Richins’ defense team said they plan to appeal the conviction.
To watch more cases about family murders involving poison, check out our video here:
