arielilane
Justice for Liz Barraza
Video of KRichins' hearing in Judge Mrazik's courtroom, August 8, 2024:
UT - Kouri Richins, 33, Author, wife, mom, charged in husband’s unexpected death last year, May 2023 #3
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Thursday, August 15th:
*Motions Hearing (Civil case) (@ 1:30pm MT) - UT - *Eric Eugene Richins (39) poisoned with a lethal dose of fentanyl by wife on Mar. 3, 2022 in Kamas. - *Kouri Darden Richins (33/now 34) arrested (5/8/23) & charged (6/5/23) with 2nd degree aggravated murder & 3 counts of possession of drugs with intent to distribute. [These charges were dismissed on 3/25/24-see recharges]. Re-charged (3/25/24) with 2 counts of 1st degree criminal homicide aggravated murder (DV), 2 counts of 2nd degree distribution of a controlled substance, 2 counts of 2nd degree mortgage fraud (Iron Bridge Financial & Boomerrang Finance), 2 counts of 2nd degree insurance fraud & 2 counts of 3rd degree forgery. Held without bond. Bond denied (6/12/23). DA will not seek DP (8/18/23). 3rd Judicial District Court Summit County
Civil case [#221200316]: After Kouri failed to show evidence she complied with the agreement, Justice Court Judge Brendan McCullagh found Kouri guilty of the assault on 5/13/24.
*Civil case vs Katie Richins Benson. Property dispute.
Third District court Judge Richard Mrazik presiding. Prosecutors Patricia Cassell & Brad Bloodworth & Defense attorneys Kathy Nester & Wendy Lewis.
Case & court info from 6/5/23 thru 6/21/24 reference post #214 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ted-death-last-year-may-2023-3.711978/page-11
8/5/24 Update: Civil case: Motions hearing on 8/8/24 @ 1:3pm, to disqualify the prosecution, Motions hearing on 8/15/24 @ 1:30pm (Civil case) & preliminary hearings from 8/26 to 8/28/24 @ 9:30am.
8/8/24 Update: Judge Richard Mrazik quickly denied the Defense Motion to dismiss/disqualify the prosecution team after finding no violations, no intrusion & no evidence that the prosecution listened to client attorney privileged information (Motion predates Richin's new counsel). Richen's current defense team was in agreement with all said by the Judge but this was not the end for the issue for the Prosecutor. The Prosecution appears adamant that she wants it on the record the allegations by the prior defense team were speculative at best & bad faith at worst case. Prosecution alleges the defense also caused delay to the case by these false allegations & wants the Court to rule, as a record of law (on the record), that the prior defense counsels allegations were false and/or made in bad faith. The Judge does not agree to render such decision & more importantly, doesn't think it's necessary based on the Court's ruling to deny the defense Motion. The current defense goes on record that they have nothing to add on the matter. New Issue-prior defense team also alleged the jail refused to allow a notebook exchange between defendant & defense attorney without reading the entire notebook. The Court denies this Motion-- citing no evidence the jail read the notebook but only scanned the notebook, which is proper. Judge Mrazik set 8/19/24 as an open date for status hearing & next preliminary hearings from 8/26 thru 8/28/24.
*Motions Hearing (Civil case) (@ 1:30pm MT) - UT - *Eric Eugene Richins (39) poisoned with a lethal dose of fentanyl by wife on Mar. 3, 2022 in Kamas. - *Kouri Darden Richins (33/now 34) arrested (5/8/23) & charged (6/5/23) with 2nd degree aggravated murder & 3 counts of possession of drugs with intent to distribute. [These charges were dismissed on 3/25/24-see recharges]. Re-charged (3/25/24) with 2 counts of 1st degree criminal homicide aggravated murder (DV), 2 counts of 2nd degree distribution of a controlled substance, 2 counts of 2nd degree mortgage fraud (Iron Bridge Financial & Boomerrang Finance), 2 counts of 2nd degree insurance fraud & 2 counts of 3rd degree forgery. Held without bond. Bond denied (6/12/23). DA will not seek DP (8/18/23). 3rd Judicial District Court Summit County
Civil case [#221200316]: After Kouri failed to show evidence she complied with the agreement, Justice Court Judge Brendan McCullagh found Kouri guilty of the assault on 5/13/24.
*Civil case vs Katie Richins Benson. Property dispute.
Third District court Judge Richard Mrazik presiding. Prosecutors Patricia Cassell & Brad Bloodworth & Defense attorneys Kathy Nester & Wendy Lewis.
Case & court info from 6/5/23 thru 6/21/24 reference post #214 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ted-death-last-year-may-2023-3.711978/page-11
8/5/24 Update: Civil case: Motions hearing on 8/8/24 @ 1:3pm, to disqualify the prosecution, Motions hearing on 8/15/24 @ 1:30pm (Civil case) & preliminary hearings from 8/26 to 8/28/24 @ 9:30am.
8/8/24 Update: Judge Richard Mrazik quickly denied the Defense Motion to dismiss/disqualify the prosecution team after finding no violations, no intrusion & no evidence that the prosecution listened to client attorney privileged information (Motion predates Richin's new counsel). Richen's current defense team was in agreement with all said by the Judge but this was not the end for the issue for the Prosecutor. The Prosecution appears adamant that she wants it on the record the allegations by the prior defense team were speculative at best & bad faith at worst case. Prosecution alleges the defense also caused delay to the case by these false allegations & wants the Court to rule, as a record of law (on the record), that the prior defense counsels allegations were false and/or made in bad faith. The Judge does not agree to render such decision & more importantly, doesn't think it's necessary based on the Court's ruling to deny the defense Motion. The current defense goes on record that they have nothing to add on the matter. New Issue-prior defense team also alleged the jail refused to allow a notebook exchange between defendant & defense attorney without reading the entire notebook. The Court denies this Motion-- citing no evidence the jail read the notebook but only scanned the notebook, which is proper. Judge Mrazik set 8/19/24 as an open date for status hearing & next preliminary hearings from 8/26 thru 8/28/24.
cujenn81
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I just need to say that I read the preliminary hearing briefing that @Seattle1 mentioned upthread for the first time earlier this week and was STUNNED by the amount of information provided in this document! Especially the text messages that were recovered.
drive.google.com
Here’s some of the information that I found the most compelling —
OCTOBER 1, 2020
Eric learned that KR took out the HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) on his house from a bank representative — on a random day that he just so happened to go into the bank — as well as opened and maxed out two credit cards
OCTOBER 13, 2020
Eric consulted a divorce lawyer and an estate planning lawyer (less than two weeks after he learned about the HELOC and credit cards)
OCTOBER 14, 2020
KR texted her best friend:
KR: “Idk what to do… if he thinks I owe him money then that’s fine, I’ll pay whatever he thinks and then I’m out!!! It’s getting a little out of hand!”
(Eric clearly confronted KR about the information he’d recently learned and shared that he’d met with a divorce attorney the previous day.)
BF: “How much did you take out?”
KR: “A lot!”
BF: “How long do you think it would take you to pay him back?”
KR: “$250k it will take me a couple of months until my investments pay out… So I just gotta be top notch careful! He’s totally going to I feel like and then *advertiser censored* will hit the fan. And there’s nothing more important to me than the boys and making sure custody is always going to be at least 50/50 and if he digs and digs and finds something I don’t want him hiring some expensive attorney to fight for the kids or something….”
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Eric formed the Eric Richins Living Trust – and placed his estate under the control of his sister Katie – and transferred his partnership interest to his Trust and designated the Trust (AKA Katie) the beneficiary of his $500,000 life insurance policy (without telling KR)
JUNE 29, 2021
KR emailed Iron Bridge Mortgage Fund, a hard money lender, an altered account statement in support of an application for a $346,000 loan. The altered statement contained the header of KRR’s May 2021 account statement and the body/substance of C&E’s (Eric’s business) May 2021 account statement to make it appear that her account balance was $210,898.61 (when it was actually $15,609.93).
A representative emailed KR in regards to her concerns about KR’s low credit score and credit card delinquencies. KR told the representative: “...everything is paid off now it just probably hasn’t been updated. I recently learned about all of this as well LOL and then my husband decided to explain to me this was his doing a while ago… We are in the process of separation for one of many reasons but this is one of them to keep it short and sweet LOL… it’s been crazy to say the least!”
(Can you even believe the nerve of this woman!!!!)
AUGUST 2, 2021
KR repeated her earlier actions with Iron Bridge Mortgage with another hard money lender, Boomerang Capital Partners – by submitting an altered bank statement to support a loan application for $454,750. The altered statement contained the header of KRR’s June 2021 account statement and the body/substance of C&E’s June 2021 account statement to make it appear that her account balance was $702,831.96 (when it was actually $15,339.12)!!!
DECEMBER 7, 2021
KR booked a 5-night, all inclusive, romantic stay at SECRETS St. Martin Resort and Spa for herself and her paramour for April 2022 (a month after Eric’s death)
!%#*!!!!!!!
JANUARY 12, 2022
KR deposited a $4,750 check into her bank account from the Gordon Law Group notated as a retainer refund
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
KR texted her paramour: “I have a crazy dream! You quit your job.. I divorce and come up with millions and millions.. we buy midway and live in the guest house and rent out the huge house as a big event center! $15,000 a day like they charge down the road. maybe $12,000 to stay competitive and we will just run the event ‘center’ as our daily job! And hang out every day? Raise some kids.. have a little farm? Deal?”
MARCH 2, 2022
(the day before she kills her husband)
9:12 AM - KR texted her paramour: “I just can’t even believe this!! I want to celebrate with you!!! Well Friday.. when it’s officially closed recorded and we’re done. Love you love, love you! Thank you for always being my support, shoulder and rock. I need you. All the time. Some things I just could never do without your encouragement. You have no idea how much I appreciate you!!”
MARCH 3, 2022
KR owed lenders approximately $3.1 million and her business account balance was -$5,734.55. She was days away from closing on an additional $3,259,850 in debt to purchase a partially completed property that would require millions of dollars to complete (millions of dollars she didn’t have). Eric’s estate was worth an estimated 5 million (his life was insured for over $2 million and his interest in C&E was covered by a $2 million buy-sell agreement).
Unbeknownst to KR, she wouldn’t be seeing any of his estate money.
MARCH 4, 2022
The medical examiner did not find THC in Eric’s blood or gastric fluid. (KR told LE on scene that he’d taken a THC gummy and we all know from the “Walk the Dog” letter that she planned to argue that his THC gummies must’ve had fentanyl in them.)
The 911 recording captured KR counting as if she was performing chest compressions. She also told her best friend and wrote in a journal that she “began CPR/compressions until the EMT arrived and they immediately took over”. However, the first responder on scene said KR wasn’t performing CPR when they arrived and there was no evidence CPR had been attempted.
MID-MARCH 2022
KR and her paramour drove into the Uinta mountains, parked, and sat in KR’s vehicle to talk. She asked him if he’d killed anyone while serving in Iraq and then asked him how it made him feel.
MARCH 20, 2022
KR texted her paramour a link to the SECRETS webpage and asked: “Are we there yet? Can’t wait!!!!!!!”
(17 days after her husband died.)
BY APRIL 16, 2022 (3 days after LE first informed KR that Eric died of a fentanyl overdose), KR accessed website articles with the following titles:
“Utah State Prison - Timpanogos Women’s Facility”
“What Happens to Deleted Messages?”
“Cause of Death Usually Does Not Impact Life Insurance Payment”
“How Do Police and Forensic Analysts Recover Deleted Data From Phones?”
“Signs of Being Under Federal Investigation”
MAY 8, 2023 (the day KR was arrested)
KR asked her mother if she or her brother had contacted WITNESS 4 (her fentanyl supplier and one time house cleaner) since her arrest to ask her “What the hell?”
MAY 31, 2023
KR’s mom texted KR: “[Witness 3] running his mouth”
(Witness 3 is the first person KR asked about finding her some drugs and who turned her down.)
I have seen some pretty DUMB criminals in my day, but KR is almost unbelievably stupid. She is toast.
05.13.2024 13th May 2024 States Bench Brief Preliminary Hearing.pdf
Here’s some of the information that I found the most compelling —
OCTOBER 1, 2020
Eric learned that KR took out the HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) on his house from a bank representative — on a random day that he just so happened to go into the bank — as well as opened and maxed out two credit cards
OCTOBER 13, 2020
Eric consulted a divorce lawyer and an estate planning lawyer (less than two weeks after he learned about the HELOC and credit cards)
OCTOBER 14, 2020
KR texted her best friend:
KR: “Idk what to do… if he thinks I owe him money then that’s fine, I’ll pay whatever he thinks and then I’m out!!! It’s getting a little out of hand!”
(Eric clearly confronted KR about the information he’d recently learned and shared that he’d met with a divorce attorney the previous day.)
BF: “How much did you take out?”
KR: “A lot!”
BF: “How long do you think it would take you to pay him back?”
KR: “$250k it will take me a couple of months until my investments pay out… So I just gotta be top notch careful! He’s totally going to I feel like and then *advertiser censored* will hit the fan. And there’s nothing more important to me than the boys and making sure custody is always going to be at least 50/50 and if he digs and digs and finds something I don’t want him hiring some expensive attorney to fight for the kids or something….”
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Eric formed the Eric Richins Living Trust – and placed his estate under the control of his sister Katie – and transferred his partnership interest to his Trust and designated the Trust (AKA Katie) the beneficiary of his $500,000 life insurance policy (without telling KR)
JUNE 29, 2021
KR emailed Iron Bridge Mortgage Fund, a hard money lender, an altered account statement in support of an application for a $346,000 loan. The altered statement contained the header of KRR’s May 2021 account statement and the body/substance of C&E’s (Eric’s business) May 2021 account statement to make it appear that her account balance was $210,898.61 (when it was actually $15,609.93).
A representative emailed KR in regards to her concerns about KR’s low credit score and credit card delinquencies. KR told the representative: “...everything is paid off now it just probably hasn’t been updated. I recently learned about all of this as well LOL and then my husband decided to explain to me this was his doing a while ago… We are in the process of separation for one of many reasons but this is one of them to keep it short and sweet LOL… it’s been crazy to say the least!”
(Can you even believe the nerve of this woman!!!!)
AUGUST 2, 2021
KR repeated her earlier actions with Iron Bridge Mortgage with another hard money lender, Boomerang Capital Partners – by submitting an altered bank statement to support a loan application for $454,750. The altered statement contained the header of KRR’s June 2021 account statement and the body/substance of C&E’s June 2021 account statement to make it appear that her account balance was $702,831.96 (when it was actually $15,339.12)!!!
DECEMBER 7, 2021
KR booked a 5-night, all inclusive, romantic stay at SECRETS St. Martin Resort and Spa for herself and her paramour for April 2022 (a month after Eric’s death)
!%#*!!!!!!!
JANUARY 12, 2022
KR deposited a $4,750 check into her bank account from the Gordon Law Group notated as a retainer refund
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
KR texted her paramour: “I have a crazy dream! You quit your job.. I divorce and come up with millions and millions.. we buy midway and live in the guest house and rent out the huge house as a big event center! $15,000 a day like they charge down the road. maybe $12,000 to stay competitive and we will just run the event ‘center’ as our daily job! And hang out every day? Raise some kids.. have a little farm? Deal?”
MARCH 2, 2022
(the day before she kills her husband)
9:12 AM - KR texted her paramour: “I just can’t even believe this!! I want to celebrate with you!!! Well Friday.. when it’s officially closed recorded and we’re done. Love you love, love you! Thank you for always being my support, shoulder and rock. I need you. All the time. Some things I just could never do without your encouragement. You have no idea how much I appreciate you!!”
MARCH 3, 2022
KR owed lenders approximately $3.1 million and her business account balance was -$5,734.55. She was days away from closing on an additional $3,259,850 in debt to purchase a partially completed property that would require millions of dollars to complete (millions of dollars she didn’t have). Eric’s estate was worth an estimated 5 million (his life was insured for over $2 million and his interest in C&E was covered by a $2 million buy-sell agreement).
Unbeknownst to KR, she wouldn’t be seeing any of his estate money.
MARCH 4, 2022
The medical examiner did not find THC in Eric’s blood or gastric fluid. (KR told LE on scene that he’d taken a THC gummy and we all know from the “Walk the Dog” letter that she planned to argue that his THC gummies must’ve had fentanyl in them.)
The 911 recording captured KR counting as if she was performing chest compressions. She also told her best friend and wrote in a journal that she “began CPR/compressions until the EMT arrived and they immediately took over”. However, the first responder on scene said KR wasn’t performing CPR when they arrived and there was no evidence CPR had been attempted.
MID-MARCH 2022
KR and her paramour drove into the Uinta mountains, parked, and sat in KR’s vehicle to talk. She asked him if he’d killed anyone while serving in Iraq and then asked him how it made him feel.
MARCH 20, 2022
KR texted her paramour a link to the SECRETS webpage and asked: “Are we there yet? Can’t wait!!!!!!!”
(17 days after her husband died.)
BY APRIL 16, 2022 (3 days after LE first informed KR that Eric died of a fentanyl overdose), KR accessed website articles with the following titles:
“Utah State Prison - Timpanogos Women’s Facility”
“What Happens to Deleted Messages?”
“Cause of Death Usually Does Not Impact Life Insurance Payment”
“How Do Police and Forensic Analysts Recover Deleted Data From Phones?”
“Signs of Being Under Federal Investigation”
MAY 8, 2023 (the day KR was arrested)
KR asked her mother if she or her brother had contacted WITNESS 4 (her fentanyl supplier and one time house cleaner) since her arrest to ask her “What the hell?”
MAY 31, 2023
KR’s mom texted KR: “[Witness 3] running his mouth”
(Witness 3 is the first person KR asked about finding her some drugs and who turned her down.)
I have seen some pretty DUMB criminals in my day, but KR is almost unbelievably stupid. She is toast.
charminglane
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She is definitely toast.I just need to say that I read the preliminary hearing briefing that @Seattle1 mentioned upthread for the first time earlier this week and was STUNNED by the amount of information provided in this document! Especially the text messages that were recovered.
05.13.2024 13th May 2024 States Bench Brief Preliminary Hearing.pdf
drive.google.com
Here’s some of the information that I found the most compelling —
OCTOBER 1, 2020
Eric learned that KR took out the HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) on his house from a bank representative — on a random day that he just so happened to go into the bank — as well as opened and maxed out two credit cards
OCTOBER 13, 2020
Eric consulted a divorce lawyer and an estate planning lawyer (less than two weeks after he learned about the HELOC and credit cards)
OCTOBER 14, 2020
KR texted her best friend:
KR: “Idk what to do… if he thinks I owe him money then that’s fine, I’ll pay whatever he thinks and then I’m out!!! It’s getting a little out of hand!”
(Eric clearly confronted KR about the information he’d recently learned and shared that he’d met with a divorce attorney the previous day.)
BF: “How much did you take out?”
KR: “A lot!”
BF: “How long do you think it would take you to pay him back?”
KR: “$250k it will take me a couple of months until my investments pay out… So I just gotta be top notch careful! He’s totally going to I feel like and then *advertiser censored* will hit the fan. And there’s nothing more important to me than the boys and making sure custody is always going to be at least 50/50 and if he digs and digs and finds something I don’t want him hiring some expensive attorney to fight for the kids or something….”
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Eric formed the Eric Richins Living Trust – and placed his estate under the control of his sister Katie – and transferred his partnership interest to his Trust and designated the Trust (AKA Katie) the beneficiary of his $500,000 life insurance policy (without telling KR)
JUNE 29, 2021
KR emailed Iron Bridge Mortgage Fund, a hard money lender, an altered account statement in support of an application for a $346,000 loan. The altered statement contained the header of KRR’s May 2021 account statement and the body/substance of C&E’s (Eric’s business) May 2021 account statement to make it appear that her account balance was $210,898.61 (when it was actually $15,609.93).
A representative emailed KR in regards to her concerns about KR’s low credit score and credit card delinquencies. KR told the representative: “...everything is paid off now it just probably hasn’t been updated. I recently learned about all of this as well LOL and then my husband decided to explain to me this was his doing a while ago… We are in the process of separation for one of many reasons but this is one of them to keep it short and sweet LOL… it’s been crazy to say the least!”
(Can you even believe the nerve of this woman!!!!)
AUGUST 2, 2021
KR repeated her earlier actions with Iron Bridge Mortgage with another hard money lender, Boomerang Capital Partners – by submitting an altered bank statement to support a loan application for $454,750. The altered statement contained the header of KRR’s June 2021 account statement and the body/substance of C&E’s June 2021 account statement to make it appear that her account balance was $702,831.96 (when it was actually $15,339.12)!!!
DECEMBER 7, 2021
KR booked a 5-night, all inclusive, romantic stay at SECRETS St. Martin Resort and Spa for herself and her paramour for April 2022 (a month after Eric’s death)
!%#*!!!!!!!
JANUARY 12, 2022
KR deposited a $4,750 check into her bank account from the Gordon Law Group notated as a retainer refund
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
KR texted her paramour: “I have a crazy dream! You quit your job.. I divorce and come up with millions and millions.. we buy midway and live in the guest house and rent out the huge house as a big event center! $15,000 a day like they charge down the road. maybe $12,000 to stay competitive and we will just run the event ‘center’ as our daily job! And hang out every day? Raise some kids.. have a little farm? Deal?”
MARCH 2, 2022
(the day before she kills her husband)
9:12 AM - KR texted her paramour: “I just can’t even believe this!! I want to celebrate with you!!! Well Friday.. when it’s officially closed recorded and we’re done. Love you love, love you! Thank you for always being my support, shoulder and rock. I need you. All the time. Some things I just could never do without your encouragement. You have no idea how much I appreciate you!!”
MARCH 3, 2022
KR owed lenders approximately $3.1 million and her business account balance was -$5,734.55. She was days away from closing on an additional $3,259,850 in debt to purchase a partially completed property that would require millions of dollars to complete (millions of dollars she didn’t have). Eric’s estate was worth an estimated 5 million (his life was insured for over $2 million and his interest in C&E was covered by a $2 million buy-sell agreement).
Unbeknownst to KR, she wouldn’t be seeing any of his estate money.
MARCH 4, 2022
The medical examiner did not find THC in Eric’s blood or gastric fluid. (KR told LE on scene that he’d taken a THC gummy and we all know from the “Walk the Dog” letter that she planned to argue that his THC gummies must’ve had fentanyl in them.)
The 911 recording captured KR counting as if she was performing chest compressions. She also told her best friend and wrote in a journal that she “began CPR/compressions until the EMT arrived and they immediately took over”. However, the first responder on scene said KR wasn’t performing CPR when they arrived and there was no evidence CPR had been attempted.
MID-MARCH 2022
KR and her paramour drove into the Uinta mountains, parked, and sat in KR’s vehicle to talk. She asked him if he’d killed anyone while serving in Iraq and then asked him how it made him feel.
MARCH 20, 2022
KR texted her paramour a link to the SECRETS webpage and asked: “Are we there yet? Can’t wait!!!!!!!”
(17 days after her husband died.)
BY APRIL 16, 2022 (3 days after LE first informed KR that Eric died of a fentanyl overdose), KR accessed website articles with the following titles:
“Utah State Prison - Timpanogos Women’s Facility”
“What Happens to Deleted Messages?”
“Cause of Death Usually Does Not Impact Life Insurance Payment”
“How Do Police and Forensic Analysts Recover Deleted Data From Phones?”
“Signs of Being Under Federal Investigation”
MAY 8, 2023 (the day KR was arrested)
KR asked her mother if she or her brother had contacted WITNESS 4 (her fentanyl supplier and one time house cleaner) since her arrest to ask her “What the hell?”
MAY 31, 2023
KR’s mom texted KR: “[Witness 3] running his mouth”
(Witness 3 is the first person KR asked about finding her some drugs and who turned her down.)
I have seen some pretty DUMB criminals in my day, but KR is almost unbelievably stupid. She is toast.
Avocado toast.
With Everything bagel sprinkles.
Over the top DONE.
Bounceycat
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Ohhh...is the side piece talking to LE now??
Seattle1
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Seems at least once to recount the convo of Mid-March 2020.
Seattle1
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So... any news on her civil case hearing yesterday? Just want to update my notes!
I have a "maybe" for a status hearing on 8/19/24 & the preliminary hearings from 8/26 to 8/28.
Nothing in MSM about the civil case on 8/15 which was a virtual Motions Hearing. Also searched the court calendar for the next 30 days for case #220500076 and and had no hits. Sorry.
Justice101
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I just need to say that I read the preliminary hearing briefing that @Seattle1 mentioned upthread for the first time earlier this week and was STUNNED by the amount of information provided in this document! Especially the text messages that were recovered.
05.13.2024 13th May 2024 States Bench Brief Preliminary Hearing.pdf
drive.google.com
Here’s some of the information that I found the most compelling —
OCTOBER 1, 2020
Eric learned that KR took out the HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) on his house from a bank representative — on a random day that he just so happened to go into the bank — as well as opened and maxed out two credit cards
OCTOBER 13, 2020
Eric consulted a divorce lawyer and an estate planning lawyer (less than two weeks after he learned about the HELOC and credit cards)
OCTOBER 14, 2020
KR texted her best friend:
KR: “Idk what to do… if he thinks I owe him money then that’s fine, I’ll pay whatever he thinks and then I’m out!!! It’s getting a little out of hand!”
(Eric clearly confronted KR about the information he’d recently learned and shared that he’d met with a divorce attorney the previous day.)
BF: “How much did you take out?”
KR: “A lot!”
BF: “How long do you think it would take you to pay him back?”
KR: “$250k it will take me a couple of months until my investments pay out… So I just gotta be top notch careful! He’s totally going to I feel like and then *advertiser censored* will hit the fan. And there’s nothing more important to me than the boys and making sure custody is always going to be at least 50/50 and if he digs and digs and finds something I don’t want him hiring some expensive attorney to fight for the kids or something….”
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Eric formed the Eric Richins Living Trust – and placed his estate under the control of his sister Katie – and transferred his partnership interest to his Trust and designated the Trust (AKA Katie) the beneficiary of his $500,000 life insurance policy (without telling KR)
JUNE 29, 2021
KR emailed Iron Bridge Mortgage Fund, a hard money lender, an altered account statement in support of an application for a $346,000 loan. The altered statement contained the header of KRR’s May 2021 account statement and the body/substance of C&E’s (Eric’s business) May 2021 account statement to make it appear that her account balance was $210,898.61 (when it was actually $15,609.93).
A representative emailed KR in regards to her concerns about KR’s low credit score and credit card delinquencies. KR told the representative: “...everything is paid off now it just probably hasn’t been updated. I recently learned about all of this as well LOL and then my husband decided to explain to me this was his doing a while ago… We are in the process of separation for one of many reasons but this is one of them to keep it short and sweet LOL… it’s been crazy to say the least!”
(Can you even believe the nerve of this woman!!!!)
AUGUST 2, 2021
KR repeated her earlier actions with Iron Bridge Mortgage with another hard money lender, Boomerang Capital Partners – by submitting an altered bank statement to support a loan application for $454,750. The altered statement contained the header of KRR’s June 2021 account statement and the body/substance of C&E’s June 2021 account statement to make it appear that her account balance was $702,831.96 (when it was actually $15,339.12)!!!
DECEMBER 7, 2021
KR booked a 5-night, all inclusive, romantic stay at SECRETS St. Martin Resort and Spa for herself and her paramour for April 2022 (a month after Eric’s death)
!%#*!!!!!!!
JANUARY 12, 2022
KR deposited a $4,750 check into her bank account from the Gordon Law Group notated as a retainer refund
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
KR texted her paramour: “I have a crazy dream! You quit your job.. I divorce and come up with millions and millions.. we buy midway and live in the guest house and rent out the huge house as a big event center! $15,000 a day like they charge down the road. maybe $12,000 to stay competitive and we will just run the event ‘center’ as our daily job! And hang out every day? Raise some kids.. have a little farm? Deal?”
MARCH 2, 2022
(the day before she kills her husband)
9:12 AM - KR texted her paramour: “I just can’t even believe this!! I want to celebrate with you!!! Well Friday.. when it’s officially closed recorded and we’re done. Love you love, love you! Thank you for always being my support, shoulder and rock. I need you. All the time. Some things I just could never do without your encouragement. You have no idea how much I appreciate you!!”
MARCH 3, 2022
KR owed lenders approximately $3.1 million and her business account balance was -$5,734.55. She was days away from closing on an additional $3,259,850 in debt to purchase a partially completed property that would require millions of dollars to complete (millions of dollars she didn’t have). Eric’s estate was worth an estimated 5 million (his life was insured for over $2 million and his interest in C&E was covered by a $2 million buy-sell agreement).
Unbeknownst to KR, she wouldn’t be seeing any of his estate money.
MARCH 4, 2022
The medical examiner did not find THC in Eric’s blood or gastric fluid. (KR told LE on scene that he’d taken a THC gummy and we all know from the “Walk the Dog” letter that she planned to argue that his THC gummies must’ve had fentanyl in them.)
The 911 recording captured KR counting as if she was performing chest compressions. She also told her best friend and wrote in a journal that she “began CPR/compressions until the EMT arrived and they immediately took over”. However, the first responder on scene said KR wasn’t performing CPR when they arrived and there was no evidence CPR had been attempted.
MID-MARCH 2022
KR and her paramour drove into the Uinta mountains, parked, and sat in KR’s vehicle to talk. She asked him if he’d killed anyone while serving in Iraq and then asked him how it made him feel.
MARCH 20, 2022
KR texted her paramour a link to the SECRETS webpage and asked: “Are we there yet? Can’t wait!!!!!!!”
(17 days after her husband died.)
BY APRIL 16, 2022 (3 days after LE first informed KR that Eric died of a fentanyl overdose), KR accessed website articles with the following titles:
“Utah State Prison - Timpanogos Women’s Facility”
“What Happens to Deleted Messages?”
“Cause of Death Usually Does Not Impact Life Insurance Payment”
“How Do Police and Forensic Analysts Recover Deleted Data From Phones?”
“Signs of Being Under Federal Investigation”
MAY 8, 2023 (the day KR was arrested)
KR asked her mother if she or her brother had contacted WITNESS 4 (her fentanyl supplier and one time house cleaner) since her arrest to ask her “What the hell?”
MAY 31, 2023
KR’s mom texted KR: “[Witness 3] running his mouth”
(Witness 3 is the first person KR asked about finding her some drugs and who turned her down.)
I have seen some pretty DUMB criminals in my day, but KR is almost unbelievably stupid. She is toast.
Wow, just wow. Thank you "cuj " so much for posting that timeline and detail.
People are consumed by their crisis and "plans" are made day to day and they don't realized the digital and people trail they leave behind that nails them.
Police do investigations ALL THE TIME and have so much experience with common mistakes it's very hard once someone is identified and warrants are issued, for that person to hide the evidence.
I think KR is very smart and cunning. But was completely blinded by her terrible financial situation and came up with a plan to kill him, the only way out she could find.
That almost always never works out but people don't realize how much worse it can get if you have to stay in prison the rest of your life and your family and friends learn your true (lack of) character from the investigation and trial. She has lost EVERYTHING.
She would have been far better off to accept her fate financially and get divorced and file for bankruptcy and start a new life. But losing all that she had was just too much and she came up with a (diabolical) plan. I wonder if her mother had any prior knowledge of this. From her mother's interview, I would suspect "Not".... but you never know. people can tell lies that are believable until you start to investigate.
If all true, this deception is on another level.
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arielilane
Justice for Liz Barraza
LIVE! Kouri Richins Preliminary Hearing Prep - What To Expect? Cuffs Coming Off?
arielilane
Justice for Liz Barraza
BBM
SUMMIT CO., Utah (ABC4) — Kouri Richins appeared virtually in court on Wednesday, allowing for attorneys and the court to clear up some housekeeping items before the case moves forward to next week’s preliminary hearing.
Richins is scheduled to appear in a multi-day preliminary hearing starting Monday morning, Aug. 26. She faces a first-degree felony aggravated murder charge and attempted criminal homicide among other charges of drug distribution, fraud, and forgery in connection to the death of her husband, Eric Richins.
Full story at link...
Updated: Aug 21, 2024
SUMMIT CO., Utah (ABC4) — Kouri Richins appeared virtually in court on Wednesday, allowing for attorneys and the court to clear up some housekeeping items before the case moves forward to next week’s preliminary hearing.
Richins is scheduled to appear in a multi-day preliminary hearing starting Monday morning, Aug. 26. She faces a first-degree felony aggravated murder charge and attempted criminal homicide among other charges of drug distribution, fraud, and forgery in connection to the death of her husband, Eric Richins.
Full story at link...
Updated: Aug 21, 2024
arielilane
Justice for Liz Barraza
PARK CITY, Utah (KUTV) — Kouri Richins had one more hearing in her murder case before her preliminary hearing in late August.
-- On Wednesday, her defense attorneys asked the judge to allow Richins to not wear handcuffs during her three-day hearing.
-- Mrazik said he would rule on that by Monday morning.
-- Kouri Richins' preliminary hearing starts 9:30 a.m. Monday morning.
-- KUTV will be at the hearing and have coverage throughout the day.
kutv.com
August 21st 2024
-- On Wednesday, her defense attorneys asked the judge to allow Richins to not wear handcuffs during her three-day hearing.
-- Mrazik said he would rule on that by Monday morning.
-- Kouri Richins' preliminary hearing starts 9:30 a.m. Monday morning.
-- KUTV will be at the hearing and have coverage throughout the day.
Judge asked to allow Kouri Richins in court without handcuffs during murder trial
Kouri Richins had one more hearing in her murder case before her preliminary hearing in late August.
kutv.com
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Monday, August 26th:
*Preliminary Hearings (Day 1 of 3) (@ 9:30am MT) - UT - *Eric Eugene Richins (39) poisoned with a lethal dose of fentanyl by wife on Mar. 3, 2022 in Kamas. - *Kouri Darden Richins (33/now 34) arrested (5/8/23) & charged (6/5/23) with 2nd degree aggravated murder & 3 counts of possession of drugs with intent to distribute. [These charges were dismissed on 3/25/24-see recharges]. Re-charged (3/25/24) with 2 counts of 1st degree criminal homicide aggravated murder (DV), 2 counts of 2nd degree distribution of a controlled substance, 2 counts of 2nd degree mortgage fraud (Iron Bridge Financial & Boomerrang Finance), 2 counts of 2nd degree insurance fraud & 2 counts of 3rd degree forgery. Held without bond. Bond denied (6/12/23). DA will not seek DP (8/18/23). 3rd Judicial District Court Summit County
Civil case [#221200316]: After Kouri failed to show evidence she complied with the agreement, Justice Court Judge Brendan McCullagh found Kouri guilty of the assault on 5/13/24.
*Civil case vs Katie Richins Benson. Property dispute.
Third District court Judge Richard Mrazik presiding. Prosecutors Patricia Cassell & Brad Bloodworth & Defense attorneys Kathy Nester & Wendy Lewis.
Case & court info from 6/5/23 thru 8/5/24 reference post #243 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ted-death-last-year-may-2023-3.711978/page-13
8/8/24 Update: Judge Richard Mrazik quickly denied the Defense Motion to dismiss/disqualify the prosecution team after finding no violations, no intrusion & no evidence that the prosecution listened to client attorney privileged information (Motion predates Richin's new counsel). Richen's current defense team was in agreement with all said by the Judge but this was not the end for the issue for the Prosecutor. The Prosecution appears adamant that she wants it on the record the allegations by the prior defense team were speculative at best & bad faith at worst case. Prosecution alleges the defense also caused delay to the case by these false allegations & wants the Court to rule, as a record of law (on the record), that the prior defense counsels allegations were false and/or made in bad faith. The Judge does not agree to render such decision & more importantly, doesn't think it's necessary based on the Court's ruling to deny the defense Motion. The current defense goes on record that they have nothing to add on the matter. New Issue-prior defense team also alleged the jail refused to allow a notebook exchange between defendant & defense attorney without reading the entire notebook. The Court denies this Motion-- citing no evidence the jail read the notebook but only scanned the notebook, which is proper. Judge Mrazik set 8/19/24 as an open date for status hearing & next preliminary hearings from 8/26 thru 8/28/24. Civil case: Motions hearing on 8/15/24. 8/15/24 Update: No info on motions hearing for civil case.
8/21/24 Update: Richins appeared virtually in court on Wednesday, allowing for attorneys & the court to clear up some housekeeping items before the case moves forward to next week’s preliminary hearing. During Wednesday’s status hearing, it was revealed prosecutors intend to call four or five witnesses throughout the preliminary hearing. The defense meanwhile plans to call one or two witnesses. The main concern presented by Judge Richard Mrazik surrounded out-of-court statements provided by two witnesses who may be called to the stand during the hearing. The two witnesses reportedly provided statements about conversations with Eric just months before his death when he first claimed Kouri was attempting to poison him. Kouri’s new defense attorneys, Kathy Nester & Wendy Lewis, objected to various parts of the statements, claiming they were not reliable hearsay & should not be admissible. Judge Mrazik overruled the defense’s objections for the sole purpose of the upcoming preliminary hearing. Mrazik, however, agreed with the defense that they reserve the right to object to the statements outside of the preliminary hearing. Nester then requested Richins to appear in the courtroom without being in handcuffs as she has in previous hearings. In her request, Nester said “We, as a defense team, do not feel any threat. We feel very safe sitting next to her.” She also said the bindings would make it difficult for Richins to take notes during the hearing & would be a distraction for the defense team. Mrazik did not offer a ruling on whether or not Richins would be free of handcuffs during the multi-day preliminary hearing. He first wanted to consider the request with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office before making a decision. Judge Mrazik said he would rule on that by Monday [8/26/24] morning. Murder: Next preliminary hearings on 8/26/24 thru 8/28/24 @ 9:30am.
*Preliminary Hearings (Day 1 of 3) (@ 9:30am MT) - UT - *Eric Eugene Richins (39) poisoned with a lethal dose of fentanyl by wife on Mar. 3, 2022 in Kamas. - *Kouri Darden Richins (33/now 34) arrested (5/8/23) & charged (6/5/23) with 2nd degree aggravated murder & 3 counts of possession of drugs with intent to distribute. [These charges were dismissed on 3/25/24-see recharges]. Re-charged (3/25/24) with 2 counts of 1st degree criminal homicide aggravated murder (DV), 2 counts of 2nd degree distribution of a controlled substance, 2 counts of 2nd degree mortgage fraud (Iron Bridge Financial & Boomerrang Finance), 2 counts of 2nd degree insurance fraud & 2 counts of 3rd degree forgery. Held without bond. Bond denied (6/12/23). DA will not seek DP (8/18/23). 3rd Judicial District Court Summit County
Civil case [#221200316]: After Kouri failed to show evidence she complied with the agreement, Justice Court Judge Brendan McCullagh found Kouri guilty of the assault on 5/13/24.
*Civil case vs Katie Richins Benson. Property dispute.
Third District court Judge Richard Mrazik presiding. Prosecutors Patricia Cassell & Brad Bloodworth & Defense attorneys Kathy Nester & Wendy Lewis.
Case & court info from 6/5/23 thru 8/5/24 reference post #243 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ted-death-last-year-may-2023-3.711978/page-13
8/8/24 Update: Judge Richard Mrazik quickly denied the Defense Motion to dismiss/disqualify the prosecution team after finding no violations, no intrusion & no evidence that the prosecution listened to client attorney privileged information (Motion predates Richin's new counsel). Richen's current defense team was in agreement with all said by the Judge but this was not the end for the issue for the Prosecutor. The Prosecution appears adamant that she wants it on the record the allegations by the prior defense team were speculative at best & bad faith at worst case. Prosecution alleges the defense also caused delay to the case by these false allegations & wants the Court to rule, as a record of law (on the record), that the prior defense counsels allegations were false and/or made in bad faith. The Judge does not agree to render such decision & more importantly, doesn't think it's necessary based on the Court's ruling to deny the defense Motion. The current defense goes on record that they have nothing to add on the matter. New Issue-prior defense team also alleged the jail refused to allow a notebook exchange between defendant & defense attorney without reading the entire notebook. The Court denies this Motion-- citing no evidence the jail read the notebook but only scanned the notebook, which is proper. Judge Mrazik set 8/19/24 as an open date for status hearing & next preliminary hearings from 8/26 thru 8/28/24. Civil case: Motions hearing on 8/15/24. 8/15/24 Update: No info on motions hearing for civil case.
8/21/24 Update: Richins appeared virtually in court on Wednesday, allowing for attorneys & the court to clear up some housekeeping items before the case moves forward to next week’s preliminary hearing. During Wednesday’s status hearing, it was revealed prosecutors intend to call four or five witnesses throughout the preliminary hearing. The defense meanwhile plans to call one or two witnesses. The main concern presented by Judge Richard Mrazik surrounded out-of-court statements provided by two witnesses who may be called to the stand during the hearing. The two witnesses reportedly provided statements about conversations with Eric just months before his death when he first claimed Kouri was attempting to poison him. Kouri’s new defense attorneys, Kathy Nester & Wendy Lewis, objected to various parts of the statements, claiming they were not reliable hearsay & should not be admissible. Judge Mrazik overruled the defense’s objections for the sole purpose of the upcoming preliminary hearing. Mrazik, however, agreed with the defense that they reserve the right to object to the statements outside of the preliminary hearing. Nester then requested Richins to appear in the courtroom without being in handcuffs as she has in previous hearings. In her request, Nester said “We, as a defense team, do not feel any threat. We feel very safe sitting next to her.” She also said the bindings would make it difficult for Richins to take notes during the hearing & would be a distraction for the defense team. Mrazik did not offer a ruling on whether or not Richins would be free of handcuffs during the multi-day preliminary hearing. He first wanted to consider the request with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office before making a decision. Judge Mrazik said he would rule on that by Monday [8/26/24] morning. Murder: Next preliminary hearings on 8/26/24 thru 8/28/24 @ 9:30am.
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Utah judge to decide if author of children's book on grief will face trial in her husband's death
A Utah woman who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband then published a children’s book about coping with grief is set to appear in court Monday for the start of a multiday hearing that will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence against her to proceed with a trial...
imstilla.grandma
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During Monday’s hearing, both the defense and prosecution are expected to call on witnesses and present evidence to build their cases. Judge Richard Mrazik will decide afterward whether the state has provided enough evidence to go to trial.
Potential witnesses include relatives of the defendant and her late husband, a housekeeper who allegedly sold Kouri Richins the drugs, and friends of Eric Richins who have shared details of phone conversations from the day prosecutors claim he was first poisoned by his wife.
Richins’ lawyers expect the hearing to last throughout Monday and Tuesday, and possibly into Wednesday
Potential witnesses include relatives of the defendant and her late husband, a housekeeper who allegedly sold Kouri Richins the drugs, and friends of Eric Richins who have shared details of phone conversations from the day prosecutors claim he was first poisoned by his wife.
Richins’ lawyers expect the hearing to last throughout Monday and Tuesday, and possibly into Wednesday
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imstilla.grandma
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The Utah mom of three boys, who wrote a children’s book titled “Are You With Me?” about coping with grief after her husband’s unexpected death, may see her work used as evidence against her.
The book could play a role for prosecutors who plan to frame Eric Richins’ death as premeditated murder with an elaborate cover-up attempt.
Among the witnesses who could be called are relatives of the defendant and her late husband, a housekeeper who claims to have sold Kouri Richins the drugs, and friends of Eric Richins who have recounted phone conversations from the day prosecutors say he was first poisoned by his wife of nine years.
Kouri Richins’ former lead defense attorney, Skye Lazaro, had argued the housekeeper had motivation to lie as she sought leniency in the face of drug charges, and that Eric Richins’ sisters had a clear bias against her client amid a battle over his estate and a concurrent assault case.
nypost.com
The book could play a role for prosecutors who plan to frame Eric Richins’ death as premeditated murder with an elaborate cover-up attempt.
Among the witnesses who could be called are relatives of the defendant and her late husband, a housekeeper who claims to have sold Kouri Richins the drugs, and friends of Eric Richins who have recounted phone conversations from the day prosecutors say he was first poisoned by his wife of nine years.
Kouri Richins’ former lead defense attorney, Skye Lazaro, had argued the housekeeper had motivation to lie as she sought leniency in the face of drug charges, and that Eric Richins’ sisters had a clear bias against her client amid a battle over his estate and a concurrent assault case.
Utah judge to decide if children’s book author will face trial for husband’s murder
Kouri Richins, 34, faces several felony charges for allegedly killing her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022 at their home in a small mountain town near Park City.
nypost.com
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Cool Cats
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The Utah mom of three boys, who wrote a children’s book titled “Are You With Me?” about coping with grief after her husband’s unexpected death, may see her work used as evidence against her.
The book could play a role for prosecutors who plan to frame Eric Richins’ death as premeditated murder with an elaborate cover-up attempt.
Among the witnesses who could be called are relatives of the defendant and her late husband, a housekeeper who claims to have sold Kouri Richins the drugs, and friends of Eric Richins who have recounted phone conversations from the day prosecutors say he was first poisoned by his wife of nine years.
Kouri Richins’ former lead defense attorney, Skye Lazaro, had argued the housekeeper had motivation to lie as she sought leniency in the face of drug charges, and that Eric Richins’ sisters had a clear bias against her client amid a battle over his estate and a concurrent assault case.
Utah judge to decide if children’s book author will face trial for husband’s murder
Kouri Richins, 34, faces several felony charges for allegedly killing her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022 at their home in a small mountain town near Park City.
Former lead defense attorney, Skye Lazaro sounds good ... what he said. So I don't get it......
Do you know why he is not her attorney now? Or is he her attorney but not the lead attorney?