Kouri Richins in court, hearing begins in case of her husband's death

PARK CITY, Utah – Kouri Richins is scheduled to appear in court Monday as a three-day hearing begins in the death of her husband, Eric Richins. Prosecutors hope to present evidence of a broken marriage, an affair and multiple attempted murders of her husband, who died in March 2022 from a cocktail laced with fentanyl.

What happens: Kouri, who later wrote a children's book about her husband's death, was charged with the murder a year after the incident. In May, prosecutors added financial crimes to the charges, claiming Kouri believed she would inherit her husband's estate, which delayed the case.

– At the hearing, there will be evidence that Kouri bought the fentanyl that killed her husband and that she had previously attempted to poison him. Prosecutors have discovered over 800 deleted messages and 12 calls between Kouri Richins and an unidentified witness.

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What you should see: The hearing will also address the financial crimes Richins is accused of, which prosecutors say were part of her motive. Witnesses could include the housekeeper who allegedly sold Richins the fentanyl, as well as friends who recall Richins' statement: “In many ways, it would be better if Eric Richins were dead.”

– Judge Richard Mzarik had previously ruled that evidence related to Richins' questions about the divorce could be introduced. The defense is pushing to suppress some testimony and has requested that Richins be allowed to remain in the courtroom without handcuffs so he can better take notes.

The conclusion: The case has attracted a great deal of attention, and the hearing is expected to shed light on the alleged murder and the financial motives behind it. Judge Mzarik is expected to rule on the defense's key motions before the hearing begins on Monday.

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