Utah Author Accused of Murdering Husband Found Guilty

Tue Mar 17 2026 08:06:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Kouri Richins, a mother from Utah known for her bereavement book, has been found guilty of murdering her husband, Eric Richins, by poisoning him. The court case revealed a web of deceit, financial motives, and a troubling history prior to the crime.

In a chilling case, Kouri Richins, a Utah author celebrated for writing a children's book on grief, has been convicted of murdering her husband through poisoning. The jury found that Richins poisoned Eric Richins with fentanyl-laced drinks, motivated by significant debt and fraudulent insurance claims. The trial revealed her extramarital affair and previous attempts to harm him, culminating in a dramatic courtroom showdown.

Utah Author Accused of Murdering Husband Found Guilty

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother who published a children's book about grief following her husband's unexpected death, has been found guilty of murder.

A jury determined that Richins killed her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022 by administering poison in a fentanyl-laced drink. After a brief deliberation of about three hours, the verdict was reached on Monday.

Testimonies during the trial pointed to a complex backdrop involving financial troubles, life insurance policies taken out on her husband, and an extramarital affair.

Prosecutors compiled evidence from over 40 witnesses, including the individual who supplied the fatal drugs used in Eric Richins' murder. Despite the defense choosing not to call any witnesses, the prosecution presented a convincing narrative of Kouri Richins' motives.

She was also found guilty of fraudulently claiming insurance benefits following her husband's death at their home outside of Park City, believing that she would inherit his estate valued at over $4 million. Authorities highlighted that she was planning a life with her lover concurrently.

Disturbingly, it was disclosed that Richins had previously attempted to poison Eric Richins with a sandwich laced with the same drug, which nearly resulted in his death, leading to an additional charge of attempted murder.

Richins maintains her innocence, having pleaded not guilty to all charges, with the most serious charge of aggravated murder carrying a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth described her intentions as wanting to leave her husband without sacrificing the benefits that come from his demise.

Remarkably, Richins was arrested in March 2023, two months after publishing a children's book titled Are You With Me? which she claimed was aimed at helping families cope with grief—a stark contrast to the reality of her actions.

Richins dedicated the book to her husband, calling him an amazing husband and wonderful father, projecting an image that starkly differs from the one that emerged during her trial.