Kamas, Utah – A seemingly perfect picture shattered. Kouri Richins, a published author who penned a children’s book on grief, has been hit with a bombshell new charge: attempted murder. This comes on top of existing charges of aggravated murder for the death of her husband, Eric Richins, 39, in March 2022.
The disturbing twist? Authorities allege Kouri not only poisoned her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl, but tried to kill him weeks earlier with a Valentine’s Day surprise – a drugged sandwich.
A Toast Turned Deadly
Eric Richins was found unresponsive in their Kamas home on March 4th, 2022, after celebrating his wife’s supposed business success with a drink. A medical examiner revealed a shocking truth: Eric had five times the lethal dose of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, in his system. The fentanyl was confirmed to be illicit, not prescribed.
A Wife’s Deadly Gift
New details paint a chilling picture. Charging documents allege this wasn’t Kouri’s first attempt. Weeks earlier, on Valentine’s Day, Eric reportedly suffered a near-death experience after eating a sandwich Kouri left for him. He texted his wife, expressing his fear and worsening condition. Kouri, away from home, allegedly brushed him off, suggesting a nap.
Frightening Revelation and a History of Lies
Desperate and reaching out, Eric contacted friends, revealing the terrifying truth – he believed his wife had poisoned him. The sandwich, a supposed romantic gesture, was allegedly laced with something that caused a violent allergic reaction, requiring an EpiPen and Benadryl.
Documents claim Kouri not only obtained fentanyl before the Valentine’s Day incident, but again before her husband’s death.
Financial Motive Emerges
The plot thickens. Kouri now faces additional charges of mortgage and insurance fraud. Prosecutors allege she was in dire financial straits at the time of Eric’s death and resorted to forgery and fraudulent claims to collect benefits.
Maintains Innocence Despite Mounting Evidence
Kouri’s attorney maintains her innocence, claiming the new charges won’t alter their defense strategy. However, the evidence paints a grim picture – a trusted wife allegedly turning into a desperate killer fueled by financial woes.
Kouri Richins remains in custody, awaiting trial for a twisted crime that has shattered the lives of those who knew her and her husband. As the case unfolds, one question lingers: can a grief author truly understand the depths of loss she allegedly inflicted?
