Author’s Note: The following article contains details of a murder case. Reader discretion is advised.
Kouri Richins, a Utah mother who authored a book on grief following her husband’s untimely demise, now finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. Her book, titled “Are You With Me?,” was marketed as a comforting guide for children coping with the loss of a loved one. Published on March 7, the book emerged from Kouri’s personal experience after her husband, Eric Richins, passed away at the age of 39. Shortly after appearing on local television to discuss her tragic loss and her inspiration for writing the book, Kouri’s life took an unexpected turn.
During an interview with the hosts of Good Things Utah, Deena Manzanares and Surae Chinn, Kouri expressed her shock and the emotions she and her children had experienced throughout the past year. Little did Deena and Surae know that, just a month later, they would be grappling with their own feelings after Kouri’s arrest on murder charges.
Reflecting on their April conversation with Kouri, Deena shared that nothing seemed suspicious at the time. However, she did note a lack of warmth and emotion from Kouri, which she attributed to the grieving process. Deena, choosing not to pass judgment, acknowledged that everyone copes differently with grief and may appear numb. After the interview aired, the television station received an anonymous email alleging Kouri’s involvement in her husband’s death. Initially dismissing the email as one of many strange messages, they soon realized the gravity of the situation.
Kouri now faces accusations of intentionally causing her husband’s death by spiking his cocktail with a fatal dose of fentanyl at their home in Kamas, Utah. Prosecutors contend that financial motives and premeditation influenced her actions. The 33-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Currently incarcerated in Summit County, she was denied bail at a detention hearing on June 12. However, she retains the right to appeal the decision within the next 30 days.
In an effort to secure bail, Kouri’s attorneys, as stated in a court filing obtained by NBC News, argued that there is insufficient evidence to support the charges against her. They maintain that Kouri and Eric had been leading a happy life in the weeks leading up to his death, countering the prosecution’s claims.
Contrary to this portrayal, prosecutors have painted a picture of a troubled marriage marred by financial deceit and suspicions. Eric reportedly suspected that Kouri was plotting against him. The circumstances surrounding Eric Richins’ death are as follows: According to the charging warrant obtained by E! News, Kouri informed authorities that on the night of March 3, 2022, she prepared a Moscow Mule for her husband to celebrate a work endeavor. Eric consumed the drink in bed around 11 p.m., while Kouri briefly left to check on one of their sons, who had experienced a night terror. Falling asleep in the child’s room, Kouri returned to their bedroom at approximately 3 a.m. Upon her return, she discovered Eric unresponsive and cold to the touch.
However, investigators discovered discrepancies in Kouri’s account. Despite Kouri claiming that she left her phone charging in the couple’s bedroom, they found evidence of multiple instances of the phone being locked and unlocked during the period she claimed to have been asleep. Additionally, several text messages were sent, received, and subsequently deleted.
Toxicology tests conducted during the autopsy revealed a shocking discovery—Eric’s system contained five times the lethal dose of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. The Office of the Medical Examiner, according to the warrant, confirmed that Eric had ingested a non-medical-grade and illicit amount of the drug orally.
Regarding the state of Kouri and Eric’s marriage at the time of his death, allegations suggest that Eric remained in the relationship solely for the sake of their three children, who were 9, 8, and 5 years old when he passed away. Greg Skordas, a family spokesman, emphasized Eric’s dedication to their children. He described Eric as a caring father, a philanthropist, and someone who genuinely cared about others. Skordas revealed that Eric’s intention was to maintain the family unit due to his active involvement in his children’s lives as a soccer, baseball, and basketball coach.
According to documents cited by KUTV, Kouri accused Eric of having an affair. In an email dated April 19, 2022, sent to investigators, she mentioned that although she did not move out of the house completely, she removed her clothes to emphasize her seriousness about leaving Eric unless he ended the extramarital relationship. Kouri stated that they attended a few counseling sessions but ultimately found them ineffective for their situation. They eventually resolved their issues in the same way most couples do.
Prosecutors, however, presented an amended charging document filed on May 18, indicating that Eric had met with a divorce attorney and estate planner in October 2020. During this time, he established a living trust and appointed his sister, Katie Richins-Benson, as the trustee.
