Jury Selection Commences in High-Profile Utah Murder Case
Jury selection has officially begun in the trial of Kouri Richins, a 35-year-old Utah mother of three who stands accused of the aggravated murder of her husband, Eric Richins, aged 39. The case has captured national attention due to its shocking allegations and the subsequent publication of a children's book by the defendant about coping with loss.
Allegations of Fentanyl Poisoning and Financial Motive
Prosecutors allege that Kouri Richins fatally poisoned her husband on March 3, 2022, by serving him a Moscow Mule cocktail laced with a synthetic opioid. Authorities claim the drink contained five times the lethal dose of fentanyl, following an earlier unsuccessful attempt weeks prior using a fentanyl-stuffed sandwich.
The prosecution's case centers on financial motives, asserting that Kouri's house-flipping business was in financial distress. They further allege she was involved in an affair with her handyman, Robert Grossman, and sought to collect on life insurance policies taken out on her husband without his knowledge. Prosecutors state she aimed to become the beneficiary instead of Eric's sister, but he discovered the scheme, removed her from his will, and altered the policies before his death.
The Grief Book and Arrest
In a twist that adds complexity to the case, Kouri Richins self-published an illustrated children's book titled Are You With Me? approximately one year after her husband's death. The book, dedicated to "my amazing husband and a wonderful father," was marketed as a resource for children experiencing loss and was promoted by Kouri on local television.
- She described the book as a collaborative effort with her three young sons, aged 10, 9, and 6, to process their grief.
- Following her arrest in May 2023, the book was removed from Amazon and other platforms.
Text Messages and Legal Proceedings
Prosecutors have presented text messages as evidence, including one from Kouri to Grossman the day after the initial poisoning attempt, stating, "If (Eric) could just go away … life would be perfect." Another message sent the week of the murder read, "Life is going to be different, I promise. Hang in there until Friday."
Kouri Richins has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, and drug possession. She has remained in custody since her arrest. Opening statements are scheduled for February 23, with the trial anticipated to last up to five weeks, drawing significant media scrutiny as details unfold in the Park City courtroom.
