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Jury Convicts Kouri Richins in Husband’s Fentanyl Killing

Prosecutors built the case on circumstantial proof, digital forensics, financial motive.

Overview

  • After roughly three hours of deliberation, a Summit County jury found Kouri Richins guilty on all counts, including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, and fraud- and forgery-related offenses.
  • An autopsy determined Eric Richins died in March 2022 from fentanyl intoxication at about five times a lethal dose, with the medical examiner identifying the drug as illicit rather than medical grade.
  • Cellphone location data and deleted-message records supported testimony from housecleaner Carmen Lauber and contact Robert Crozier about pill pickups tied to dates near an earlier alleged attempt and the night of the death.
  • Prosecutors highlighted internet searches on a replacement phone about lethal fentanyl doses and death certificates, as well as a jail note dubbed the “Walk the Dog” letter that outlined a fabricated narrative.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for May 13 in Park City, where Richins faces 25 years to life in prison, and separate financial-crime allegations remain pending.