A young widow writes a children’s book to help her boys deal with the grief of losing their father. A short time later, however, she is arrested for murdering their father. This case captivated the public’s attention because of its dark, complex nature. Kouri Richins is accused of poisoning her husband Eric with a fentanyl-laced cocktail in March 2022. The investigation and legal proceedings have revealed a web of deceit, financial crisis, and possible affairs. Any of these could have been enough of a motive for murder. (CBS News, Court TV)
The Tragic Incident
On March 4, 2022, Eric Richins was found unresponsive at the couple’s home near Park City, Utah. Kouri Richins called 911, stating that her husband was unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive him, the 39-year-old father of three, was pronounced dead at the scene. At first they said he died of a brain aneurysm, but an autopsy later revealed that he had five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in his system. (CBS News)
Financial Motives and Alleged Misconduct
Investigations into the couple’s finances uncovered a possible motive. Kouri Richins had opened $2 million worth life insurance policies without her husband’s knowledge. Additionally, she was facing significant financial difficulties, and had been diverting funds from Eric’s accounts. She had her own real estate business, but it was only kept afloat by Eric’s funding. Unfortunately, and unbeknown to him, most of that funding was without his knowledge or approval. (CBS News, The US Sun)
The Grief Author’s Paradox
In a stroke of dark irony, Kouri Richins authored a children’s book titled Are You With Me? She said it was supposed to help her sons grieve the death of their father. The book was dedicated to her late husband and was published shortly after his death. This endeavor has drawn criticism, with some viewing it as an attempt to profit from her husband’s demise. While the morbid little book was supposed to help with grief, it came across disturbing. She used her son’s likeness in the book, and had her husband turned into a cartoon ghost that followed the boy around. It was disturbing to anyone who actually works in grief counseling. (CBS News, Court TV, CBS News)
Alleged Witness Tampering
Further complicating the case, Kouri Richins is accused of attempting to influence potential witnesses. Prosecutors allege that she sent a six-page letter from jail to her brother, instructing him to testify about Eric’s alleged drug use, which could support her defense. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any actual evidence of the alleged drug use. Her husband occasionally took a CBD gummy before bed to relax. It’s hardly a hard-core drug habit. The letter was found folded inside her LSAT prep book, led to disciplinary action within the jail and has been cited as evidence of witness tampering .(The Times, People.com)
Legal Proceedings and Upcoming Trial
Kouri Richins faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and witness tampering. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A judge has denied her bail twice, citing the severity of the charges and her potential flight risk . The trial was set to begin in April 2025, but it has been postponed citing a change of venue. As of this writing, an official trial date hasn’t been publicly released. (New York Post, CBS News, ABC13 Houston)
Conclusion
Will Kouri find a way to worm her way out of this one? She had a knack for working her way out of messes, but I don’t think she will get by with this one. She left too many witnesses and too much evidence. I’ll keep you posted as this case progresses.
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Sponsorships:
This case is brought to you by Synova’s book “Madhouse Madison County” and Bones Coffee Company
Madhouse Madison County
Chaos rules in a small Southeastern Missouri County. Madison County spans 500 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The county seat is Fredericktown with a population of approximately 4,000 people. This rural county should be a safe place in beautiful Americana, but it hides a dark secret. Fredericktown is one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Check out this quote from neighborhoodscout.com.
“With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Fredericktown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.”
I started researching one case sent to me by a desperate grandmother. That case led me to fifteen more. Then I realized this county has had murder, corruption, and chaos since before the Wild West days. This book will start with a lynching by a Fredericktown mob in 1844. Hold onto your seats when you read this one. You’re in for a wild, chaotic ride through rural Missouri.
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