A Utah woman who wrote a children’s book about grief after poisoning her husband with fentanyl was convicted of aggravated murder, exposing a chilling tale of greed, deception, and calculated cruelty that shocks the conscience.
Story Snapshot
- Kouri Richins convicted of murdering husband Eric with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022
- She was $4.5 million in debt and sought to inherit his $4 million estate while planning a future with another man
- Richins self-published a children’s grief book after the killing, promoting it on media outlets before her arrest
- Jury deliberated under three hours; she faces 25 years to life in prison at May 13 sentencing
Greed and Betrayal Behind the Murder
Kouri Richins, a 35-year-old real estate agent, murdered her husband Eric in March 2022 by slipping five times the lethal dose of fentanyl into his cocktail at their Park City home. Prosecutors revealed Richins was drowning in $4.5 million of debt and falsely believed she would inherit Eric’s estate worth over $4 million upon his death.
Summit County prosecutor Brad Bloodworth stated plainly that she wanted to leave her husband but refused to leave his money. The jury took less than three hours to convict Richins on Monday, March 16, 2026, finding her guilty of aggravated murder, attempted murder, forgery, and insurance fraud.
Evidence of Premeditation and Cold Calculation
The prosecution presented damning evidence showing Richins meticulously planned her husband’s death. She opened multiple life insurance policies on Eric without his knowledge, totaling approximately $2 million in benefits. Digital forensic analysis revealed her internet searches included queries about lethal fentanyl doses, luxury prisons for the rich, and how poisoning appears on death certificates.
Text messages between Richins and Robert Josh Grossman, her alleged paramour, showed her fantasizing about leaving Eric, gaining millions in divorce, and marrying Grossman. Prosecutors argued this demonstrated clear intent and careful preparation for murder driven by financial greed.
Failed Valentine’s Day Murder Attempt
Richins first attempted to kill her husband on Valentine’s Day 2022, weeks before the fatal poisoning. She laced a sandwich with fentanyl that caused Eric to black out but not die. Jurors convicted her of attempted murder for this earlier attack, which prosecutors said demonstrated her determination to eliminate her husband when the first attempt failed.
The housekeeper Carmen Lauber testified she sold Richins fentanyl on multiple occasions, including the deadly dose. Richins specifically requested what prosecutors believe was a reference to the drug combination that killed Michael Jackson, indicating she knew exactly how lethal her purchase would be.
A Utah woman who wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death was convicted of aggravated murder in his death by poisoning him with fentanyl.
Jurors also found Kouri Richins guilty of fraudulently claiming insurance benefits after the death of Eric… pic.twitter.com/iAwSMbU8HM
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) March 17, 2026
Shocking Children’s Book Cover-Up
Shortly before her May 2023 arrest, Richins self-published a children’s book titled “Are You with Me?” about coping with parental loss. She promoted it aggressively on local television and radio stations, presenting herself as a grieving widow helping children process grief. Lead investigator Detective Jeff O’Driscoll testified that Richins paid a ghostwriting company to create the book.
Prosecutors argued this calculated publicity stunt was part of an elaborate cover-up designed to portray her as a devoted wife and mother. After her arrest, Richins’ mother anonymously mailed the book to authorities with a note defending her daughter’s character.
Defense Collapses Under Weight of Evidence
The scheduled five-week trial ended abruptly when Richins waived her right to testify and her legal team rested without calling any witnesses. Defense attorney Wendy Lewis attempted to discredit housekeeper Carmen Lauber, arguing she fabricated her testimony for legal immunity after facing her own drug charges.
The defense claimed Eric Richins struggled with painkiller addiction and requested his wife obtain opioids. However, body camera footage showed Kouri told police on the night of his death that Eric had no history of illicit drug use, directly contradicting this narrative. Prosecutors also presented a jailhouse letter where Richins appeared to script false testimony for family members.
Justice for the Richins Family
Eric Richins’ sister Amy expressed relief after the verdict, stating the family felt shocked but grateful for justice after years of waiting. She emphasized they could now focus on honoring her brother and supporting his sons who lost their father. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, which would have been Eric’s 44th birthday.
Richins faces 25 years to life in prison for aggravated murder alone, with additional penalties possible for attempted murder, forgery, and insurance fraud convictions. She also faces 26 separate money-related criminal charges in another case that has not yet proceeded to trial, suggesting her pattern of deception extended far beyond this murder.
