A Utah mother and children's book author went on trial Monday in the death of her husband, with prosecutors alleging she poisoned him with a lethal dose of fentanyl to gain access to his money and estate, while her defense urged jurors to withhold judgment until all evidence is presented.

Kouri Richins Book
Kouri Richins Book

Kouri Richins, 35, faces aggravated murder and more than 30 other felony charges, including attempted murder, forgery, mortgage fraud and insurance fraud, in connection with the March 2022 death of her husband, Eric Richins, 39. She has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Conviction on the murder charge alone carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

The trial began February 23, 2026, at the Summit County Courthouse in Park City after jury selection concluded. Opening statements marked the start of a case expected to last through March 26, drawing national attention due to Richins' self-published children's book on grief, "Are You with Me?," released about a year after her husband's death.

Prosecutors portrayed Richins as a money-driven killer who laced her husband's drink with fentanyl the night he died. They allege she sought millions in life insurance payouts and aimed to "perpetuate her facade of privilege" amid financial troubles. Eric Richins died from fentanyl intoxication at approximately five times the lethal dose, according to autopsy results cited in charging documents.

In opening statements, prosecutors detailed Richins' alleged motive: financial gain. They claim she had multiple life insurance policies on her husband and owed significant debts. The night of his death, the couple had celebrated closing on a property deal, according to Richins' earlier statements.

The defense countered that Richins and her husband were happily married and building a future together. Defense attorneys emphasized that jurors should not rush to conclusions and promised to present evidence showing her innocence.

Testimony on the first day included emotional accounts from Eric Richins' family members. His sister-in-law described being "dumbfounded" by Kouri Richins' behavior after the death, including her quick focus on financial matters and life insurance. In-laws testified about Richins' demeanor in the aftermath, portraying it as inconsistent with genuine grief.

The case gained widespread notice after Richins appeared on NBC's "Dateline" proclaiming her innocence and promoting her book, which she said was written to help her three sons — and other children — cope with losing a parent. She was arrested in May 2023, shortly after the interview aired.

Prosecutors allege Richins attempted to kill her husband once before in February 2022 with fentanyl, and succeeded in March. They point to text messages, financial records and witness statements as key evidence.

Richins' book, self-published after Eric's death, features illustrations and messages about love and memory. She promoted it locally, including on Salt Lake City television, describing it as a way to support grieving children.

The trial has drawn crowds to the courthouse, with dozens of people lining up as early as 4 a.m. Monday to secure seats in the gallery. Interest stems from the stark contrast between Richins' public image as a grieving mother and author and the serious charges she faces.

Key witnesses expected include the couple's housekeeper, who may testify about events leading up to Eric's death, and experts on fentanyl toxicology and financial records. The prosecution aims to show intent and premeditation, while the defense is likely to challenge the evidence chain and offer alternative explanations for Eric's death.

The case highlights broader issues of fentanyl's role in overdoses, even in affluent communities like the Park City area, and the intersection of grief, public perception and criminal allegations.

As testimony continues Tuesday, the trial will delve deeper into forensic evidence, communications and financial motives. Updates from the courtroom are being covered live by major networks and local outlets, with the outcome potentially carrying life-altering consequences for Richins and her family.