Author who wrote book about grief faces losing $2 million after she’s charged with husband’s m#rder
As previously reported, Kouri Richins, a 33-year-old mother-of-three, has been charged with the murder of her husband, Eric Richins, just after gaining attention for her children’s book on grief.
The incident unfolded in Kamas, Utah, where Eric Richins, 39, was found dead on March 4, 2022, as reported by the Associated Press. Kouri Richins stands accused of poisoning her husband with fentanyl, a potent opioid.
Authorities revealed that Kouri made an emergency call last March, reporting her husband as “cold to the touch.” She later informed the police that she had prepared an alcoholic drink for Eric while celebrating a recent home sale.
Upon returning from putting one of their children to bed, she found him unresponsive.
Medical examinations disclosed that Eric had a fatal dose of fentanyl in his system, approximately five times the lethal amount, according to AP.
Kouri Richins faces charges of murder and possession of GHB, a drug often used recreationally, according to reports. These charges stem from police interactions with Kouri and an account from an unnamed acquaintance who allegedly sold the drug to her.
The shocking allegations emerged shortly after Kouri Richins appeared on television to discuss her children’s book, Are You With Me?. In the interview on Good Things Utah, she shared how her husband’s sudden death impacted their family, emphasizing the struggle faced by her three sons.
Utah State Rep. Brett Garner, a close friend of the late Eric Richins, is spearheading legislation aimed at amending existing state laws to prevent convicted murderers from benefiting financially through prenuptial agreements, as reported by the Sun.
While Utah law already prohibits k$llers from profiting from their crimes, existing statutes do not extend to prenuptial agreements.
Should Garner’s proposed bill pass and Kouri be convicted, she stands to forfeit $2 million from the sale of a property, as stipulated in the couple’s prenuptial agreement.
Additionally, any earnings from her book could be at risk of being seized, as highlighted by legal experts consulted by The Sun.
The Richins family holds prominence in Summit County, with a building named after them.
Suspicions surrounding Kouri’s involvement in Eric’s death had existed within the family for some time. Court documents revealed that Eric had warned his relatives that Kouri was responsible if anything happened to him.
His sister recounted a previous incident where Eric fell ill after consuming a drink provided by Kouri during a vacation in Greece.
Further suspicions arose regarding an attempted alteration to Eric’s life insurance policy, where Kouri sought to become the sole beneficiary. However, this change was rectified shortly before Eric’s death, with his sister reinstated as the beneficiary.
Documents indicate that Eric experienced a severe allergic reaction on February 14, 2022, following a dinner with his wife. He exhibited symptoms of hives and passed out, requiring the use of an EpiPen.
Despite intentions to divorce, legal proceedings had not commenced at the time of his death.
