The shocking case of Eric Richins, a 39-year-old Utah man found dead in March 2022 just hours after consuming a cocktail prepared by his wife at their Kamas home near Park City, has gripped national attention and is now unfolding in a high-profile murder trial. Eric died from what toxicology revealed as approximately five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in his system—a powerful synthetic opioid far exceeding levels that would cause fatal overdose. Prosecutors allege his wife, Kouri Richins (now 35), deliberately spiked his drink (a Moscow mule) with illicit fentanyl she allegedly obtained, motivated by financial gain amid mounting debts and marital strain.

Eric’s death was initially attributed to natural causes or an accidental overdose, with Kouri claiming he may have consumed a THC gummy or suffered from his known Lyme disease and painkiller dependency. However, an autopsy and subsequent investigation pointed to foul play. Kouri was arrested in May 2023 on charges including aggravated murder, attempted criminal homicide (for an alleged prior poisoning attempt via a fentanyl-laced sandwich in February 2022 that caused Eric hives and blackout), and financial crimes related to alleged embezzlement from her husband’s business.

About a year after Eric’s death (March 2023), Kouri self-published a children’s book titled “Are You With Me?”—a story about a father watching over his son from heaven, aimed at helping children cope with losing a parent. She promoted it on local TV (KTVX’s “Good Things Utah”) as a personal project born from her three young sons’ grief, describing it as written by a “loving mother who personally faced this challenge.” The book gained attention, but prosecutors have portrayed it as part of a calculated effort to craft a sympathetic narrative around Eric’s “unexpected” death while pursuing millions in life insurance payouts (nearly $2 million in policies) and estate assets to cover debts and start anew.

Kouri appeared on TV promoting the book, presenting herself as a grieving widow. Prosecutors argue this contrasts sharply with evidence of her alleged actions: financial desperation (owing lenders millions from real estate flipping and business dealings), an extramarital affair (her ex-boyfriend testified emotionally about their relationship escalating before Eric’s death), and premeditation (phone searches for “luxury prisons,” deleted messages, and deleted evidence inquiries). A neighbor testified Kouri once said “it would be better” if Eric were dead after a fight, though the defense challenged her certainty.

The trial, underway in Summit County since February 2026, is expected to last five weeks. Key evidence includes:

Bodycam footage from the night Eric died, showing Kouri distraught, attempting CPR, and describing the celebratory cocktail after closing a $2 million house flip.
An “orange notebook” with Kouri’s handwriting detailing the night’s timeline and what Eric consumed.
Testimony from friends, family, and experts on Eric’s health, lack of fentanyl history, and hidden items found in later searches.
Digital forensics revealing suspicious activity.

Kouri has pleaded not guilty, with her defense insisting Eric’s death was accidental (possibly self-administered or related to pain management), no direct evidence links her to fentanyl, and circumstantial claims (motive, affair) don’t prove murder. The judge denied a mistrial request, and proceedings continue with ongoing testimony (as of early March 2026, witnesses include forensic accountants, friends, and ex-partners).

Prosecutors highlight one chilling detail from that night as potentially damning: Kouri allegedly brought Eric the fentanyl-laced cocktail to their bedroom to “celebrate,” then left him alone while tending to a child with nightmares—returning hours later to find him unresponsive and cold around 3 a.m. This sequence, they argue, aligns with deliberate poisoning rather than accident, especially given the massive fentanyl dose and no paraphernalia found initially (though later searches uncovered hidden evidence).

The case underscores themes of deception, grief exploitation, and justice in a seemingly idyllic family. Eric’s family has expressed mistrust, while Kouri maintains innocence amid intense scrutiny. The trial continues, with a verdict potentially reshaping how the public views her book and her story.