Overview
- 3rd District Judge Richard Mrazik denied a defense bid to push the hearing to June and kept sentencing set for May 13, when Kouri Richins could receive life in prison without parole.
- In his ruling, he called the family’s wish to proceed compelling and found that the minor victims would face significant prejudice if the date slipped.
- The defense sought more time to prepare mitigation and pointed to a death in attorney Kathy Nestor’s family and a scheduling conflict for attorney Alexander Ramos.
- A jury on March 16 found Richins guilty of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, two counts of insurance fraud, and forgery in her husband Eric Richins’ fentanyl death.
- Mrazik cleared his calendar to allow full statements on May 13, and prosecutors said relatives already arranged time off and that appeal deadlines hinge on that date.