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Who is Kouri Richins & Where Is She Now? 2026 Update & Profile

Ryan Gill

Kouri Richins was once known in her Utah community as a real estate agent, business owner, wife, and mother of three boys. She later gained national attention after publishing a children’s book about grief following the sudden death of her husband, Eric Richins. What appeared to be a story about loss and healing soon transformed into one of the most closely watched murder investigations in the United States.

In 2026, Richins was convicted of murdering her husband with fentanyl and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Prosecutors argued that behind the public image of a grieving widow was a woman facing severe financial pressure, hiding debt, carrying on an affair, and seeking control of her husband’s money and estate. The case became known across the country as the “grief author murder trial.”

Her Early Life and Career in Utah

Kouri Richins lived near Park City and Kamas, Utah, with her husband Eric and their three sons. Friends and acquaintances described the family as successful and financially comfortable. Richins worked in real estate and home-flipping ventures, presenting herself as an ambitious entrepreneur.

Eric Richins operated a successful masonry business and was viewed by many as the financial backbone of the family. During the trial, prosecutors argued that while Kouri projected an image of success, her businesses were struggling behind the scenes. Evidence presented in court showed mounting debt, failed projects, and pressure connected to loans and property investments.

The Death of Eric Richins

On March 4, 2022, Kouri Richins called 911 after finding her husband unresponsive in their home. She told authorities the couple had been celebrating a real estate deal and that she had prepared Eric a Moscow Mule cocktail before going to bed in one of their children’s rooms.

An autopsy later determined Eric died from a fentanyl overdose. Investigators found that the amount in his system was several times the lethal level. Authorities eventually concluded the fentanyl had been administered orally through the drink.

The Children’s Book That Changed Public Perception

About a year after Eric’s death, Kouri Richins published Are You With Me?, a children’s book focused on grief and coping with the loss of a parent. The book was dedicated to her sons and was promoted as a tool for families experiencing loss.

Richins appeared in interviews discussing grief and healing while promoting the book. Prosecutors later argued that these public appearances helped create a sympathetic image while investigators were building a homicide case against her. The contrast between the book’s message and the allegations against her became a major reason the case attracted worldwide attention.

Prosecutors Alleged Financial Motive and Infidelity

During the 2026 trial, prosecutors said Richins was motivated by money, debt, and a desire to start a new life with another man. Evidence showed she had taken out life insurance policies on Eric without his knowledge and believed she would inherit millions from his estate after his death.

Jurors also saw text messages between Richins and her boyfriend, Josh Grossmann. Prosecutors argued the messages showed her desire to leave her marriage and move forward with another relationship. Financial experts testified that her business operations were collapsing under heavy debt and loan obligations.

Evidence That Led to Her Conviction

The prosecution built its case using witness testimony, digital evidence, financial records, and forensic findings. One key witness testified that she sold fentanyl pills to Richins before Eric’s death. Cell phone data and search history also became major parts of the trial.

Jurors heard about internet searches allegedly made by Richins involving fentanyl doses, poisoning, luxury prisons, deleting phone data, and death certificates. Prosecutors also argued that Richins attempted to poison Eric weeks before his death using a fentanyl-laced sandwich on Valentine’s Day 2022. She was convicted on that charge as well.

Conviction and Sentencing

In March 2026, a Utah jury convicted Kouri Richins of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before returning guilty verdicts on all major counts.

On May 13, 2026, Judge Richard Mrazik sentenced Richins to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The sentencing took place on what would have been Eric Richins’ 44th birthday. During the hearing, the judge described Richins as “too dangerous to ever be free.”

Her Relationship With Her Children Became Central at Sentencing

One of the most emotional parts of the sentencing hearing came from statements written by the couple’s sons. The boys said they feared their mother and did not want her released from prison.

According to court statements, the children described emotional trauma and said they worried she could hurt them if she were ever freed. Eric Richins’ family also urged the judge to impose the maximum punishment possible. The children are now reportedly being cared for by Eric’s relatives.

Where Kouri Richins Is Now

As of May 2026, Kouri Richins is incarcerated in Utah after being transferred to the Utah State Correctional Facility following her sentencing. Reports indicate she is currently going through the prison intake and classification process after spending years in county jail awaiting trial.

Richins continues to maintain her innocence and has publicly stated that she plans to appeal her conviction and sentence. Her attorneys have indicated they intend to challenge the verdict and pursue a new trial. She also still faces additional financial crime charges in a separate Utah case that has not yet gone to trial.

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