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Opening Statements Begin in Kouri Richins Murder Trial Over Husband’s Fentanyl Death

Prosecutors began by alleging a fentanyl killing motivated by money, with jurors to weigh disputed witness credibility and forensic evidence.

FILE - Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three who wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, looks on during a hearing on Aug. 26, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool, File)
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Kouri Richins appears in court in Provo, Utah, for the first day of testimony her trial on February 23, 2026.

Overview

  • Opening statements started Monday in Park City as Kouri Richins pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and related charges, which carry a possible life sentence and no death penalty.
  • Chief prosecutor Brad Bloodworth told jurors she killed Eric Richins for financial gain, citing life insurance exceeding $2 million, an estate near $4 million, and her debts over $4.5 million.
  • The medical examiner found illicit fentanyl at about five times a lethal dose, and prosecutors say the drug was orally ingested after she served him cocktails.
  • Prosecutors also allege a failed poisoning on Feb. 14, 2022, and plan to call housekeeper Carmen Lauber, who says she supplied fentanyl and has immunity, a claim the defense attacks.
  • The trial is scheduled through March 26 in Summit County after a denied venue change, with expected witnesses including the housekeeper and an alleged romantic partner and with heavy national media attention.