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Utah Author Convicted of Poisoning Husband for Insurance

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kouri Richins, a Utah author, was found guilty in March 2022 of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl.
The jury reached a unanimous verdict after a three-hour deliberation, convicting her on five counts including aggravated murder and insurance fraud.
Prosecutors said she faced financial difficulties and sought to benefit from her husband's life insurance.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, with a possible 25-to-life sentence.

History

Historical Context

Life insurance fraud has a troubling history, with significant cases emerging over the years. In 2001, the U.S. faced an estimated $1.4 billion in annual losses due to fraudulent claims, often driven by financial desperation. Kouri Richins' conviction for poisoning her husband for insurance benefits highlights ongoing challenges in preventing such exploitation, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to protect against fraud.

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Story summary

Kouri Richins, a Utah author, was found guilty in March 2022 of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl.
The jury reached a unanimous verdict after a three-hour deliberation, convicting her on five counts including aggravated murder and insurance fraud.
Prosecutors said she faced financial difficulties and sought to benefit from her husband's life insurance.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, with a possible 25-to-life sentence.

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