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Utah Author Kouri Richins Convicted of Aggravated Murder in Husband’s Fentanyl Death

She faces 25 years to life at a May 13 sentencing.

Overview

  • After roughly three hours of deliberation, a Summit County jury found Richins guilty on all counts, including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery and insurance fraud.
  • The medical examiner determined Eric Richins had about five times a lethal dose of illicit fentanyl that was orally ingested.
  • Prosecutors argued Richins was drowning in debt, had taken out life insurance policies totaling about $2 million, and believed she would gain control of an estate valued at more than $4 million.
  • Housekeeper Carmen Lauber testified she sold fentanyl pills to Richins and received immunity for her cooperation, testimony the defense sought to undermine.
  • Jurors heard digital forensic evidence of internet searches about lethal fentanyl and deleted messages, and the defense rested without calling witnesses as Richins declined to testify.