Hearing Delayed for Utah Woman Accused of Poisoning Husband Before Writing Book on Grief

A key hearing has been postponed in the case of Kouri Richins, 33, who is charged with the murder of her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022. The hearing, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was delayed to June 18-20 by Judge Richard Mrazik to allow prosecutors sufficient time to present their evidence. The case is taking place in Park City, Utah.

Prosecutors allege that Kouri Richins fatally poisoned her 39-year-old husband with a cocktail laced with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl. They also accuse her of a previous attempt to kill him in February of that year using a sandwich. At the time of his death, Kouri was reportedly having an affair and was concerned about losing custody of their children and facing financial difficulties in a potential divorce.

Following her husband’s death, Kouri self-published a children’s book, “Are You With Me?”, about a father with angel wings watching over his child, which prosecutors suggest could be part of an elaborate cover-up.

Witnesses expected to testify include family members of both the defendant and the victim, a housekeeper who allegedly sold Kouri the drugs, and friends of Eric Richins. The defense, led by attorney Skye Lazaro, contends that the evidence is circumstantial and questions the credibility of witnesses, including the housekeeper and Eric Richins’ sisters.

Additionally, Kouri Richins was recently found guilty of misdemeanor charges related to the assault of one of her husband’s sisters after his death.

Topics: Utah, US Crime