The Shocking Fall of a Grief Author: Kouri Richins Convicted in Husband’s Fentanyl Poisoning

In a case that blended suburban ambition, literary ambition, and cold calculation, Kouri Richins went from self-styled widow and children’s book author to convicted murderer in a matter of weeks. On March 16, 2026, a Utah jury delivered a swift verdict after less than three hours of deliberation: guilty on all charges, including aggravated murder, in the 2022 death of her husband, Eric Richins.

This verdict closes a chapter that captivated true-crime audiences and thrust a children’s grief book into an unsettling spotlight. Here is the verified story, drawn from court proceedings, official reporting, and public records.

Who Is Kouri Richins?

Kouri Richins, 35, was a Utah mother of three boys, a former real estate agent, and later a self-published children’s book author. She lived with Eric Richins in Kamas, near the ski town of Park City. After Eric’s sudden death on March 4, 2022, Kouri publicly described it as an unexpected tragedy, later dedicating her work to helping children process loss.

She released the picture book Are You With Me? in March 2023, framing it as a tool for her sons and others coping with the death of a parent. The book was promoted in local media as a heartfelt response to personal grief.

Credit: Court TV / Pool photo via AP. When sharing on social platforms, please credit the original photographer.

The Night Eric Richins Died

Prosecutors proved that Eric Richins, 39, died from a lethal dose of fentanyl slipped into a Moscow Mule cocktail that Kouri prepared for him at their home. The fentanyl amount was reported as approximately five times a lethal dose. Eric was found unresponsive, and Kouri called 911.

Investigators later uncovered evidence that Kouri had attempted to poison Eric earlier, including an alleged attempt on Valentine’s Day 2022 by lacing a bagel sandwich. The couple’s marriage was described in trial testimony as rocky, with financial pressures, debt, and life insurance policies totaling millions of dollars at stake.

Kouri was arrested in May 2023 and charged with aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery, and insurance fraud.

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The Trial That Gripped Court TV

The trial, held in Summit County, Utah, and closely followed by Court TV and local outlets, unfolded over roughly three weeks. Prosecutors presented evidence tying Kouri to the acquisition and administration of fentanyl, inconsistencies in her statements, and a pattern of financial motive.

Defense attorneys argued Kouri was wrongly blamed and pointed to alternative explanations, but the jury rejected that narrative. Closing arguments wrapped on March 16, 2026, and the unanimous guilty verdict on all counts came swiftly.

Court TV provided extensive live coverage, bringing courtroom testimony, evidence presentations, and reactions from Eric’s family into homes nationwide. The proceedings highlighted the stark contrast between Kouri’s public image as a grieving author and the allegations of premeditated poisoning.

Credit: KSL News / Pool photo via AP. When sharing on social platforms, please credit the original photographer.

Note to readers: When sharing these or any trial-related images on social platforms, always credit the original photographers and news outlets to respect their work and maintain journalistic integrity.

The Book That Now Carries New Weight

Kouri Richins’ Are You With Me? was positioned as a compassionate resource for children navigating parental loss. Dedicated to Eric and written in the wake of his death, it became a focal point during the trial, with prosecutors noting the timing and narrative as part of a broader pattern.

The book remains publicly available, though its context has shifted dramatically following the conviction.

What Happens Next

Sentencing for Kouri Richins is scheduled for May 13, 2026. She faces the possibility of life in prison. Eric Richins’ family has expressed relief at the verdict, describing it as justice after years of pain.

This case underscores how personal tragedy, public persona, and criminal allegations can collide in the digital age, where books, social media, and courtroom drama intertwine.

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Sources

• Court TV official coverage and live updates (courttv.com)
• Associated Press and CBS News reporting on the verdict
• KSL News, East Idaho News, and CNN trial summaries
• Verified public court records from Summit County, Utah (March 2026 proceedings)

All information is based on publicly confirmed reporting and trial outcomes as of March 17, 2026.