Full Breakdown
Utah Mother Convicted of Murder Faces Sentencing After Publishing Grief Book
5/13/2026, 9:17:33 AM
Core Event & Sentencing Outlook
Kouri Richins, 35, was convicted in March 2026 of aggravated murder and four felonies for giving her husband Eric Richins a cocktail with five times the lethal fentanyl dose. The sentencing hearing is set for May 13, 2026, the day Eric would have turned 44. Prosecutors seek life without parole; Utah law permits 25 years-to-life or life without parole for aggravated murder.
Background & Motive
Richins ran a house-flipping business, was millions in debt, and opened life-insurance policies on Eric without his knowledge, expecting an estate over $4 million. After his death she self-published the children’s grief book *Are You With Me?*, depicting Eric as an angel, and promoted it on local media before her 2023 arrest.
Timeline
Early 2022: Richins obtained fentanyl from a housekeeper. Feb 14 2022: Attempted poisoning with a fentanyl-sandwich; Eric used his son’s EpiPen and passed out. Mar 2022: Fatal fentanyl-laced Moscow Mule administered. 2023: Arrest while promoting the book; housekeeper granted immunity. Mar 2026: Jury conviction after three-week trial. May 13 2026: Sentencing.
Official Statements & Opposition
Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth called Richins “irredeemable” and urged life without parole to protect the children. Defense counsel said evidence was insufficient, noting Richins waived testimony and rested without witnesses. The defense highlighted the housekeeper’s immunity as a credibility issue. Prosecutors countered with text messages, fentanyl-dose searches and police statements that Eric had no illicit drug history.
Children’s Impact Statements
Sons, ages 13, 11, and 9, submitted statements fearing her release. Eldest said, “I’m afraid if she gets out, she will come after me and my brothers, my whole family.” Middle child said he can “live a happy and successful life without fear of (her) hurting me or anyone I love.” Youngest said, “Once she is gone I will feel happy and I will feel safer and relaxed and trust people more.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Family spokesman Greg Skordas said Eric warned relatives that Richins was trying to kill him, while prosecutors presented medical evidence of fentanyl toxicity. A sealed Utah Division of Child and Family Services report alleges abuse of the oldest child, but its details remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He [Eric Richins] told his family, 'If I die, you need to take a look at her because I think she's trying to kill me,'” — Eric Richins, as quoted by Greg Skordas
- “He wasn't an opioid user...This doesn't smell right,” — Greg Skordas, spokesman
- “just very happy that we got justice for my brother” — Amy Richins, sister
- “You can't see my smile but it's there. I'm here, and we're together.” — Kouri Richins, author
What’s Next
Judge Mrazik will issue the sentence on May 13 after victim-impact statements. Richins’s attorneys will file an appeal, likely before the Utah Supreme Court. The separate financial-crime case remains unscheduled.
