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Utah Woman Guilty of Husband's Fentanyl Murder for Insurance Payout

3/17/2026

28 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Utah jury found Kouri Richins, the defendant, guilty of murdering her husband Eric Richins with a fentanyl dose in 2022.
The jury deliberated for about three hours after testimony on her financial troubles and an affair.
Prosecutors say she killed him to collect more than $4 million in life insurance.
Richins was also convicted of attempted murder and forgery, with sentencing set for May 13.

History

Historical Context

The "Murder for Money" law was enacted in the U.S. in 2006 to combat financial motives behind homicides, following high-profile cases like the 2003 murder for a $1 million life insurance policy. Kouri Richins' 2023 conviction for killing her husband for over $4 million in insurance highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of life insurance, prompting calls for stricter regulations.

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Story summary

A Utah jury found Kouri Richins, the defendant, guilty of murdering her husband Eric Richins with a fentanyl dose in 2022.
The jury deliberated for about three hours after testimony on her financial troubles and an affair.
Prosecutors say she killed him to collect more than $4 million in life insurance.
Richins was also convicted of attempted murder and forgery, with sentencing set for May 13.

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