UT - Kouri Richins, 33, Author, wife, mom, charged in husband’s “unexpected” death last year, May 2023-- MEDIA, MAPS, TIMELINE **NO DISCUSSION**

[Seattle1]

3RD DISTRICT CT- SILVER SUMMIT
In Person Hearing

STATE OF UTAH
Attorneys:
BLOODWORTH, BRADLEY
CASSELL, PATRICIA
HILL, JOSEPH
OLSON, MARGARET

vs.

KOURI DARDEN RICHINS
Attorneys:
HAMADY, JUSTIN
HILL, JOSEPH
HINTON, AARON
LAZARO, SKYE
NATE, AUSTIN

Case # 231500139
9:00 AM - 6/12/2023
COURTROOM B
View courthouse address

Judge/Commissioner:
RICHARD MRAZIK
DETENTION HEARING
State Felony
DOB: 4/20/1990
REP: JENNIFER GARDNER

1st Degree Felony
AGGRAVATED MURDER
3/3/2022
2nd Degree Felony
POSS W/ INTENT TO DIST C/SUBSTANCE
1/1/2022
2nd Degree Felony
POSS W/ INTENT TO DIST C/SUBSTANCE
2/11/2022
Class A Misdemeanor
POSS W/ INTENT TO DIST C/SUBSTANCE
2/26/2022

https://legacy.utcourts.gov/cal/details.php?ref=12775157&d=2023-06-12&loc=2218&tl=09:00%20AM&ct=D&rp=search&ret=t.101p.010loc.101all.010d.101all.010p.101RICHINS%20KOURI

 

[Seattle1]

Park City judge issues partial gag order in high-profile Richins murder case - East Idaho News

PARK CITY, Utah (KSL.com) — The judge in the case of a Kamas woman accused of killing her husband by secretly administering a fatal dose of fentanyl has issued a partial gag order in the proceedings. A “protection order” will be in effect for attorneys in the case, but 3rd District Judge Judge...

www.eastidahonews.com

June 2, 2023

Defense attorneys also filed a motion Thursday asking that Richins be allowed “to appear at all in-court proceedings in civilian clothes instead of a prison uniform and without restraint by any means, including shackles.”

In addition, the defense is asking that once the trial begins, measures be taken to make sure jurors never see Richins in restraints either inside or outside the courtroom, and that should their client be found guilty, that the same rules continue to apply during a sentencing hearing.

“Due to the nature of the charges in this case and the publicity the case has generated, media coverage of the accused dressed in prison garb creates a great potential for harm,” the defense argued in its motion. “Ms. Richins contends that the death penalty’s unique nature heightens her right to be free from these impairments.”

In a written ruling Friday afternoon, Mrazik agreed to allow Richins to wear street clothes, but is leaving it up to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office to determine the level of restraint in the courtroom, ordering that Richins “shall be restrained as necessary to preserve the safety and security of (her) and the courtroom.”

Prosecutors have not said whether they’ll seek the death penalty if Richins is convicted.

 

[arielilane]

Family members say they're satisfied with a partial gag order issued by a judge in the case of author Kouri Richins, charged with criminal homicide in the poisoning death of her husband.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1665775822698070017

Kouri Richins family satisfied with partial gag order issued in case, says spokesman

A Third District Judge issued a partial gag order due to the popularity and interest in the Richins case.

kslnewsradio.com

SALT LAKE CITY — A partial gag order issued in the case of Kouri Richins was welcomed by the family, a Richins family spokesman said on Monday.

Richins is charged in Summit County’s Third District Court with criminal homicide and aggravated murder in her husband’s death.

Greg Skordas (who is also KSL NewsRadio’s legal analyst) said a gag order in this case, makes sense.

“It prevents the attorneys involved, on both sides, from saying too much what we call extrajudicial comments that could dissuade a jury,” Skordas said.

 

[arielilane]

Kamas mother facing numerous felony charges appeared in court for the first time last week.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1666158724589969408

Summit County court denies gag order in Kouri Richins murder trial

The Kamas mother facing numerous felony charges appeared in court for the first time last week after prosecutors sought a gag order to prevent those involved in the case from speaking about it publicly.

www.parkrecord.com

6/6/2023

Prosecutor Patricia Cassell argued the gag order was needed to ensure a fair trial and to protect the Richins children. Non-local media is accused of camping out in the waiting area of the County Attorney’s Office; attempting to enter the jail to speak to Kouri; contacting the Summit County Jail and questioning whether the defendant is eating her food; reaching out to key witnesses for statements; making promises of having a “handsome actor” play the Richins’ family private investigator in an upcoming movie; and approaching a court clerk at a gas station requesting information.

According to court documents, call records from the jail show that Kouri has been communicating with a documentary filmmaker directly and through a friend.

[…]

While her defense attorney, Skye Lazaro, was supportive of enforcing protections for the Richins children, she was against the gag order. She said it would allow the only public narrative to be what’s been filed in court documents, which could harm her client’s defense and taint the jury pool.

[…]

The court agreed to let Kouri appear in civilian clothes without restraints for all proceedings.

 

[Seattle1]

Judge orders lawyers in Kouri Richins cases to limit what they say to press

A judge ruled Friday that lawyers in separate criminal and civil cases related to the 2022 death of Eric Richins — who prosecutors say was fatally drugged by his wife — are limited in what they can say to the press.

www.sltrib.com

June 2, 2023, 5:45 p.m.
| Updated: 5:46 p.m.

A judge ruled Friday that lawyers in separate criminal and civil cases related to the 2022 death of Eric Richins — who prosecutors say was fatally drugged by his wife — are limited in what they can say to the press.

[..]

But 3rd District Judge Richard Mrazik on Friday instead limited the gag order to lawyers involved in the separate cases, as well as counsel staff, expert witnesses and counsel investigators.

[..]

Prosecutors argued in the motion that it is “imperative” for the court to prohibit statements to the media during the case — specifically from counsel in all related civil and criminal proceedings; counsel staff and employees; law enforcement and other witnesses.

“If such an order issues, any information published by these national and international media outlets which is outside the public record and prior to the final disposition of this matter can be viewed as untrustworthy, since anyone with actual knowledge of this matter will be subject to this court’s gag order,” the motion states.

[..]

Mrazik ordered counsel and their associates to abide by rule 3.6 of the American Bar Association’s rules of professional conduct. The rule states that lawyers participating in litigation shall not make any statements that they believe may be publicly disseminated that could prejudice proceedings.

 

[Seattle1]

Summit County court denies gag order in Kouri Richins murder trial

The Kamas mother facing numerous felony charges appeared in court for the first time last week after prosecutors sought a gag order to prevent those involved in the case from speaking about it publicly.

www.parkrecord.com

June 6, 2023

The Kamas mother facing numerous felony charges appeared in court for the first time last week after prosecutors sought a gag order to prevent those involved in the case from speaking about it publicly.

[..]

Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik denied the motion on Friday, saying it was too broad. The request was similar to the one issued in the Bryan Kohberger case, in which he is accused of killing four University of Idaho students last November.

[..]

Mrazik noted both the prosecutors and defense – as well as their witnesses – are expected to act with professional conduct, which includes statements they make to the media.

[..]

Other court filings show prosecutors intend to call Matt Throckmorton, a forensic document examiner, Brooke Karrington, the principal of Karrington Financial Forensics, and Christopher Kotrodimos, a private investigator and former homicide detective who will assist with analyzing cell phone-related data, as expert witnesses.

 

[Seattle1]

Kouri Richins’ defense files conditions for her release

Defense attorneys representing the Kamas mother charged with the murder of her husband have filed a motion to set conditions for her release ahead of a detention hearing scheduled on Monday, but Summit County prosecutors argue Kouri Richins should be held without bail until the trial.

www.parkrecord.com

6/8 9/23

Defense attorneys representing the Kamas mother charged with the murder of her husband have filed a motion to set conditions for her release ahead of a detention hearing scheduled on Monday, but Summit County prosecutors argue Kouri Richins should be held without bail until the trial.

The documents filed in the Third District Court on Friday provide new insight into what the 33-year-old’s legal defense may be, and address allegations raised by the Summit County Attorney’s Office in its filings.

Kouri’s legal team, led by Skye Lazaro, argued against what prosecutors said was a financial motive to kill her spouse, Eric Richins. The filings on Friday state Kouri shared several joint accounts with her husband, discussed a strained relationship between Eric and his business partner, and characterized Eric as someone who was “a partier and loved a good time.”

[..]

“Witness accounts state they had never seen Eric and Kouri happier and that Eric made jokes about being allergic to allergy medication,” the defense said about a Feb. 20 outing with the couple and friends.

[..]

The defense argued Kouri is not a flight risk and is eligible for bail because prosecutors “lack substantial evidence to support the charges.”

The County Attorney’s Office, meanwhile, affirms it can support the felony charge of aggravated murder.

[..]

The new court filings also indicate Kouri allegedly made incriminating internet searches during the second search of her home, on the day she was arrested. The searches were: can cops force you to do a lie detector test; women Utah prison; what are you allowed inside Utah jails; if someone is poisoned what does it go down on the death certificate as; can FBI find deleted messages; when does the FBI get involved in a case; how long does life insurance companies take to pay; and more.

[..]

Prosecutors said they have a recording from the Summit County Jail in which the defendant’s mother allegedly said Kouri is only a danger to one of Eric’s sisters, who is also his trustee. Kouri responded, “Yeah, ha, ha,” according to documents.

Another of Eric’s sisters has been designated as the victim representative. She has requested to be heard at the Monday detention hearing, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday in Judge Richard Mrazik’s courtroom.

 

[arielilane]

Court filings also allege #KouriRichins made incriminating searches: can cops force you to do a lie detector test; if someone is poisoned what does it go down on the death certificate as; when does the FBI get involved in a case; how long does life insurance companies take to pay

https://twitter.com/x/status/1667290756120457216

https://twitter.com/x/status/1667277693799501824

6/9/2023

Kouri Richins’ defense files conditions for her release

Defense attorneys representing the Kamas mother charged with the murder of her husband have filed a motion to set conditions for her release ahead of a detention hearing scheduled on Monday, but Summit County prosecutors argue Kouri Richins should be held without bail until the trial.

www.parkrecord.com

Kouri’s legal team, led by Skye Lazaro, argued against what prosecutors said was a financial motive to kill her spouse, Eric Richins. The filings on Friday state Kouri shared several joint accounts with her husband, discussed a strained relationship between Eric and his business partner, and characterized Eric as someone who was “a partier and loved a good time.”

The court filing also provided details about a vacation to Greece in 2019 and a Valentine’s Day meal in 2022; both times, Eric became ill after consuming food or drinks. While prosecutors have alleged these may have been attempts by Kouri to poison Eric, the defense notes contradicting statements from witnesses who were present at the time.

Kouri’s defense noted several other inconsistencies with allegations made by prosecutors.

 

[arielilane]

Kouri Richins’ defense files conditions for her release

Defense attorneys representing the Kamas mother charged with the murder of her husband have filed a motion to set conditions for her release ahead of a detention hearing scheduled on Monday, but Summit County prosecutors argue Kouri Richins should be held without bail until the trial.

www.parkrecord.com

6/9/2023

“Witness accounts state they had never seen Eric and Kouri happier and that Eric made jokes about being allergic to allergy medication,” the defense said about a Feb. 20 outing with the couple and friends.

Kouri told deputies with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office that he had recently received an allergy shot when they were dispatched to the couple’s home on March 4. The filings state law enforcement demanded a key witness, who allegedly provided the defendant with fentanyl and worked for her at one point as a housekeeper, provide details “that will ensure [Kouri] gets convicted of murder.”

The defense argued Kouri is not a flight risk and is eligible for bail because prosecutors “lack substantial evidence to support the charges.”

The County Attorney’s Office, meanwhile, affirms it can support the felony charge of aggravated murder.

 

[arielilane]

Kouri Richins’ defense files conditions for her release

Defense attorneys representing the Kamas mother charged with the murder of her husband have filed a motion to set conditions for her release ahead of a detention hearing scheduled on Monday, but Summit County prosecutors argue Kouri Richins should be held without bail until the trial.

www.parkrecord.com

6/9/2023

Defense attorneys representing the Kamas mother charged with the murder of her husband have filed a motion to set conditions for her release ahead of a detention hearing scheduled on Monday, but Summit County prosecutors argue Kouri Richins should be held without bail until the trial.

The documents filed in the Third District Court on Friday provide new insight into what the 33-year-old’s legal defense may be, and address allegations raised by the Summit County Attorney’s Office in its filings.

 

[arielilane]

We're finally getting a glimpse of Kouri Richins' defense, but the prosecution has dropped new evidence, too.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1667401464631951360

Kouri Richins in court after attorneys make case for her release

UPDATE: A judge has denied Kouri Richins' request to be allowed out on bail during the proceedings. She will remain in custody.

www.kpcw.org

6.9.2023

But in their motion filed with the court Friday, Kouri’s attorneys say there has not been a single text message or other document from prosecutors proving Eric told anyone he thought Kouri was trying to kill him, and witnesses contradict those allegations.

They explain Eric’s illness in Greece was the result of a waitress giving Eric a mixed drink after he said he couldn’t drink alcohol due to medicine he was taking for Lyme disease. The defense says six friends were with Eric and Kouri at the time he became sick, and none of them witnessed Kouri handling Eric’s drink.

As for Valentine’s Day, Kouri’s attorneys say Eric wasn’t feeling well after eating a lunch she bought him, so he took a nap at his office. From there he sent Kouri a text saying he wished she was with him. He went home after his nap and spoke to the kids’ nanny who said Eric wasn’t acting ill, and he seemed “completely normal” as he took the children to soccer practice.

 

[arielilane]

Kouri Richins in court after attorneys make case for her release

UPDATE: A judge has denied Kouri Richins' request to be allowed out on bail during the proceedings. She will remain in custody.

www.kpcw.org

6.9.2023

As for the allegation that Kouri hit one of Eric’s sisters after she learned Eric had given another family member power of attorney, defense attorneys say she only pushed the sister after she told Kouri the family home was “no longer Kouri’s house.” Witnesses say the sister escalated the situation and while Kouri never hit her, she did push the sister. Kouri later pleaded no contest to a class B misdemeanor.

The defense noted Eric and Kouri purchased their home in Kamas, the legal title was put only in Eric’s name, even though Kouri also contributed money to the down payment.

 

[arielilane]

“What is a lethal dose of fentanyl” is one of many phone searches that investigators say were made by Kouri Richins, a Utah widow accused of killing her husband before she authored a children’s book about grief.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668222906327879681

https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/12/us/utah-mom-husband-killing-court-documents/index.html?utm_term=link&utm_medium=social&utm_content=2023-06-12T11%3A45%3A09&utm_source=twCNN

Mon June 12, 2023

CNN —
“What is a lethal dose of fentanyl” is one of many phone searches that investigators say were made by Kouri Richins, a Utah widow accused of killing her husband before she authored a children’s book about grief.

The new details on the widow’s alleged search history emerged as part of the prosecution’s case against Richins, 33, who will be in a Park City, Utah, court Monday for a detention hearing. A judge is expected to decide if she should be released or remain in custody pending the outcome of her trial.

Prosecutors allege she killed Eric Richins, her husband of nine years, with a lethal dose of fentanyl. She faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated murder and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. She has not yet entered a plea.

 

[arielilane]

Kouri Richins’ lawyer said in a new court filing that there is “no substantial evidence to support the charges” against her.
@JesseKirschNews has the latest on the case.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668056797221888000

Defense says ‘no substantial evidence’ children’s book author murdered her husband

Kouri Richins’ lawyer said in a new court filing that there is “no substantial evidence to support the charges” against her. Richins is accused of murdering her husband before writing a children’s book inspired by her own children’s grief. NBC News’ Jesse Kirsch has the latest on the case.

www.nbcnews.com

June 11, 2023

Kouri Richins’ lawyer said in a new court filing that there is “no substantial evidence to support the charges” against her. Richins is accused of murdering her husband before writing a children’s book inspired by her own children’s grief. NBC News’ Jesse Kirsch has the latest on the case.

 

[arielilane]

Prosecutors say Kouri Richins slipped five times the lethal dose of fentanyl into a Moscow mule cocktail she made for her husband.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668227000216043522

Bail hearing set for children's book author accused in husband's death

Prosecutors say Kouri Richins slipped five times the lethal dose of fentanyl into a Moscow mule cocktail she made for her husband.

www.courttv.com

last updated 8:48 AM, June 12, 2023

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — A Utah woman who wrote a children’s book about coping with grief after her husband’s death, and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, is scheduled to appear in court Monday to determine whether she should remain detained or have an opportunity to post bail.

Kouri Richins, 33, is charged with murder and drug possession.

 

[arielilane]

Kouri Richins, Utah mom accused of killing husband and then writing book about grief, denied bail

A Utah mother of three who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband, then wrote a children’s book about grieving, will remain in jail for the duration of her trial.

apnews.com

By SAM METZ today

Prosecutors say in court documents that she slipped five times the lethal dose of fentanyl into a Moscow mule cocktail she made for her husband, Eric Richins, amid marital disputes and fights over a multimillion-dollar mansion she ultimately purchased as an investment.

The mother of three self-published an illustrated book about an angelic father watching over his sons.

The case became a true-crime fixation when charges were filed last month, prompting people to pore over the children’s book and scrutinize remarks she made while promoting it as a tool to help children grieve the loss of a loved one.

 

[arielilane]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668265304953171970

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668267854313996289

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668269549383213063

https://twitter.com/JulieCourtTV

 

[arielilane]

Utah children's book author accused in husband's death requests bail

UPDATE: Charging documents suggest Kouri Richins' case likely will revolve around financial and marital disputes as possible motives.

www.courttv.com

last updated 12:08 PM, June 12, 2023

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Attorneys for a Utah woman who wrote a children’s book about coping with grief after her husband’s death, and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, argued in court on Monday she should be released on bail for the duration of her trial.

Kouri Richins, 33, is charged with murder and drug possession and listened intently as prosecutors questioned the lead detective investigating her husband’s death. As a rapt gallery made up of locals, including employees of Eric Richins’ construction company, sat behind her, Richins grabbed tissues and inhaled deeply as detective Jeff O’Driscoll testified about the drugs authorities believe were used to kill him. She kneeled her head and was crying when they talked about finding him “cold to the touch.”

 

[arielilane]

Judge denies Kouri Richins bail after 4 hour detention hearing

Kouri Richins, the woman accused of killing her husband with fentanyl poisoning then writing a children’s book about grieving, is due in court on Monday, June 12 for a detention hearing.

www.abc4.com

During Monday’s hearing, a judge is expected to hear from both parties and make a decision on a bail amount — if any.

Upon starting the day in court, attorneys on behalf of the State of Utah said they would bring in three witnesses for the hearing, starting with Detective O’Driscoll, the lead investigator in the case.

The State’s attorney asked Detective O’Driscoll about the investigation, confirming the cause of death of Eric Richins was fentanyl before asking about “C.L.”, the friend of Kouri Richins who allegedly gave Kouri the fentanyl used to allegedly kill Eric.

O’Driscoll said Richins had texted C.L., asking for fentanyl in order to help a client who was complaining of a back injury. O’Driscoll told prosecutors C.L. bought the pills through some connections with acquaintances, before meeting up with Richins to give her the fentanyl in early 2022. Prosecutors asked O’Driscoll if investigators had talked to the acquaintances to confirm those stories, which he said they did and the story was corroborated.

[...]

The prosecution ended their questioning and turned over to the defense.

 

[arielilane]

Judge denies Kouri Richins bail after 4 hour detention hearing

Kouri Richins, the woman accused of killing her husband with fentanyl poisoning then writing a children’s book about grieving, is due in court on Monday, June 12 for a detention hearing.

www.abc4.com

The defense began asking about C.L.’s history with drugs and her reportedly being on drug probation. O’Driscoll said during the interview with C.L., the punishments for allegedly dealing drugs while on probation could have serious felony charges, federal charges, and prison sentences came up.

“I gave her the opportunity to tell us up front if she was willing to cooperate, or if we shouldn’t bother with interviewing her,” O’Driscoll said. He said it was a common tactic in law enforcement to leverage charges for information.


This story is being updated.