Utah Mother and Grief Book Author Convicted in Husband’s Fentanyl Poisoning Death
Utah Mom Convicted of Poisoning Husband with Fentanyl After Writing Grief Book
A Summit County jury has convicted Kouri Richins of aggravated murder for fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a massive dose of fentanyl in 2022 — the same loss she later turned into a children’s book about grieving.
The 35-year-old was found guilty March 16, 2026, on all counts: aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder (for prior poisoning attempts), insurance fraud, and forgery. After more than two weeks of testimony and less than three hours of deliberation, the unanimous verdict means she faces 25 years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026.
The Book That Sparked National Attention
Richins rose to public attention in 2023 when she self-published Are You With Me?, an illustrated guide to help kids cope with losing a loved one. Promotional blurbs described it as a tool for “families navigating difficult conversations about loss.” Unbeknownst to readers at the time, prosecutors later argued she had orchestrated the very tragedy the book addressed.
The Prosecution’s Evidence
Evidence at trial showed Richins obtained fentanyl through her housekeeper and allegedly mixed crushed pills into a Moscow Mule she served Eric on March 4, 2022. He died hours later, with toxicology revealing five times a lethal fentanyl level.
Prosecutors pointed to a clear financial motive: Eric had listed her as beneficiary on life insurance worth about $2 million, plus other assets potentially totaling $4 million. Text messages allegedly showed her discussing a future with a lover while still married.
Prior Attempts and Family Suspicions
Investigators revealed this wasn’t a one-time act. Eric survived at least three earlier suspected poisonings starting in 2021, including a severe episode requiring hospitalization. Family members said he confided fears that his wife was trying to kill him.
For over a year after his death, Richins portrayed herself as a devastated widow, using that time to write and promote her book before her April 2023 arrest.
The Verdict and Aftermath
The trial highlighted stark contradictions: a woman preaching healing from grief while accused of causing it. With the conviction, the case shifts from speculation to resolution through the courts. Richins remained stoic as the verdict was read; her defense maintained prosecutors failed to prove beyond doubt how the fentanyl was administered.
This high-profile Utah case continues to spark discussion about deception, motive, and the intersection of personal tragedy with public persona.
