A Utah mother who published a children's book about grief after the sudden death of her husband has been found guilty of his murder. A jury determined that Kouri Richins killed her husband in March 2022 by poisoning him with a fentanyl-laced drink. The verdict came after about three hours of deliberation.
Richins, 35, was found to have been in dire financial straits, having incurred millions of dollars in debt, and had taken out multiple life insurance policies on her husband. During the trial, multiple witnesses testified against her, including a woman who claimed to have sold the drugs used in the murder.
The prosecution presented a compelling case, highlighting Richins' actions which included a fraudulent claim for insurance benefits after her husband's death and previous attempts to poison him. The defense, however, did not call any witnesses or present any evidence in Richins' favor, leaving the prosecution's narrative largely unchallenged.
Richins was arrested in March 2023, two months after the publication of her picture book titled 'Are You With Me?', aimed at helping families cope with loss. Ironically, she dedicated the book to her husband, calling him an 'amazing husband and wonderful father.' Prior to her conviction, Richins pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
