LIVE: Kouri Richins, the Utah woman accused of killing her husband with fentanyl, is in court for a detention hearing.
UT - Kouri Richins, 33, Author, wife, mom, charged in husband’s “unexpected” death last year, May 2023-- MEDIA, MAPS, TIMELINE **NO DISCUSSION**
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Summit County mother Kouri Richins is in court this morning for detention hearing.
A Utah mother of three who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband then wrote a children’s book about grieving is asking a court to let her out on bail. A court on Monday heard arguments about whether 33-year-old Kouri Richins should remain detaine...
kstp.com
Updated: 39 minutes ago
Published: June 12, 2023 - 12:49 AM
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.”
Utah woman accused of killing husband then writing grief book for kids requests bail
A Utah mother of three who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband then wrote a children’s book about grieving is asking a court to let her out on bail. A court on Monday heard arguments about whether 33-year-old Kouri Richins should remain detained or be released throughout her trial...
kstp.com
Updated: 39 minutes ago
Published: June 12, 2023 - 12:49 AM
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.”
Utah grief author mom Kouri Richins set for bail hearing
The Utah mom who has been dubbed the 'Moscow mule killer' will appear at a bail hearing this morning to determine whether or not she should be released from prison.
Kouri Richins is in Third District Court today for a detention hearing. Richins was crying during testimony from a Summit County Sheriff’s detective, who discussed the police response to her husband’s death. The courtroom gallery is at max capacity
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Status hearing June 22, 2023 - Noon
www.fox13now.com
6/12/23
LIVE: Watch court proceedings live from Park City
The judge determined that Richins would continue to be held without bail while she awaits trial.
Richins appeared between her two attorneys Monday in front of a packed courthouse.
Richins faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated murder and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in the 2022 death of her husband, Eric Richins.
Prosecutors said they planned to call multiple witnesses forward in the hearing and detective Jeff O'Driscoll was the first to testify.
He recounted the investigation and revealed details about how fentanyl pills were allegedly obtained by Richins.
At one point during the hearing, Richins appeared to be crying and bowed her head when O'Driscoll testified on how the body of her husband was found "cold to the touch" at their home.
Two other witnesses testified of their involvement in the investigation, explaining how they used digital records, phone activity, documents, bank information and tax returns in the case.
Eric's sister, Amy Richins also testified in the hearing, delivering a victim impact statement and saying he died under "horrendous circumstances" and that there was "no comfort to be had here."
"The thought of it is unbearable," Amy said. "I am haunted by the horror of it."
Ahead of the court appearance, Richins' attorneys argued there was "no substantial evidence to support the charges."
Documents released Friday report defense attorneys argue there "is no substantial evidence to support the charges" and ask that Richins be released she awaits trial in Park City.
[..]
Kouri Richins to remain detained while awaiting trial in husband's death
Ahead of a court appearance for Kouri Richins, who is accused of killing her husband before authoring a book on grief, attorneys argue there is "no substantial evidence to support the charges."
www.fox13now.com
6/12/23
LIVE: Watch court proceedings live from Park City
The judge determined that Richins would continue to be held without bail while she awaits trial.
Richins appeared between her two attorneys Monday in front of a packed courthouse.
Richins faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated murder and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in the 2022 death of her husband, Eric Richins.
Prosecutors said they planned to call multiple witnesses forward in the hearing and detective Jeff O'Driscoll was the first to testify.
He recounted the investigation and revealed details about how fentanyl pills were allegedly obtained by Richins.
At one point during the hearing, Richins appeared to be crying and bowed her head when O'Driscoll testified on how the body of her husband was found "cold to the touch" at their home.
Two other witnesses testified of their involvement in the investigation, explaining how they used digital records, phone activity, documents, bank information and tax returns in the case.
Eric's sister, Amy Richins also testified in the hearing, delivering a victim impact statement and saying he died under "horrendous circumstances" and that there was "no comfort to be had here."
"The thought of it is unbearable," Amy said. "I am haunted by the horror of it."
Ahead of the court appearance, Richins' attorneys argued there was "no substantial evidence to support the charges."
Documents released Friday report defense attorneys argue there "is no substantial evidence to support the charges" and ask that Richins be released she awaits trial in Park City.
[..]
HAPPENING THIS MORNING: Kouri Richins is due in court in Summit County following the defense's claim that no evidence exists in her murder case. I’ll have updates from the courtroom.
NOW: Detention hearing underway in Summit County for Kouri Richins to determine whether she will be held without bail. Kouri is here in the courtroom between her two attorneys.
Kotrodimos says he also analyzed Eric Richins' phone. He says last use was about 9:58pm on March 3, 2022.
Another search from #KouriRichins iPhone, according to Kotrodimos: "luxury prisons" for the rich.
We're back in court after hearing testimony from Summit County Sheriff's Det. J. O'Driscoll, who's testified about Eric Richins' death in March 2022. His wife Kouri is accused of murdering him.
Defense attorney presses Kotrodimos and asks about alleged deletion -- isn't it true he can only say the data was "missing?" Correct, he says. Attorney also asks about the movement of Kouri's phone.
That's the end of testimony for that witness. Next up is Brooke Karrington, a financial forensics expert.
Karrington says her firm was retained by the Summit County Attorney's Office a few weeks ago for the #KouriRichins case.
Karrington says she looked at documents pertaining to #KouriRichins buying and selling homes through her real estate company.
Prosecutor shows the court a timeline prepared by Karrington of properties acquired by #KouriRichins. Karrington says she identified 2 properties in 2019, including one they were living in (and on which a HELOC was taken out).
Trust deeds totaled roughly $471,000 in 2019, Karrington says. That jumped to over $2 million on 5 properties in 2020, and $6,260,458 on 13 properties in 2021. Karrington says business seemed to be growing. "Sometimes that is problematic.”
Karrington says growth too quickly or too robustly is "challenging for a business.”
Karrington says at the end of 2021, #KouriRichins was obligated for over $4 million on the properties she owned.
How much debt was #KouriRichins servicing at end of 2021? In December alone, there were 94 payments totaling $252,000, Karrington says.
Karrington says one account had sued #KouriRichins in December 2021. Karrington also says several payments during that month did not clear the bank due to insufficient funds.
Re: that lawsuit, which was out of New York, Karrington says #KouriRichins used $87,000 in receivables (potential revenue) and was borrowing $60,000 against that. Complaint says #KouriRichins made $21k in payments and then defaulted.
Prosecutor asking about various other accounts relating to Eric and #KouriRichins.
Karrington is painting a picture of #KouriRichins being short of cash as her accounts and lines of credit were exceeded or tapped out.
Judge moves prosecutor on from accounts to a new topic - life insurance. Karrington says there were multiple policies on Eric. Karrington says #KouriRichins got $1.3 million in payouts on life insurance.
Defense attorney now cross examining, asking about homes #KouriRichins still currently owns. Was there evidence of a partnership? Karrington says if there was, it would be reflected in trust deed, and there wasn't any evidence of that.
That's it for testimony from Karrington.
Now a victim impact statement from Amy Richins, Eric's sister. She says his "life was taken in a senseless act of poisoning.”
Amy says she is "brokenhearted" with Eric's loss. She says he loved his family, hunting, and working as entrepreneur.
Amy says Eric Richins was a loving father and coached children in sports. She says he "loved to have fun," especially on motorized toys. She says he built a successful masonry business and built close relationships with everyone he worked with.
"Eric was a true champion of all people," Amy says. She says words can't describe how lonely everyone is who knew him. His death has created "a Grand Canyon sized hole in this community.”
Eric died "under horrendous circumstances," Amy says, wondering what #KouriRichins said to him in his last moments and what, if anything, his sons saw. Why did this happen? Greed or desire to get his assets? "If so, that is abhorrent.”
Amy says she struggles with "how little" Eric Richins meant to #KouriRichins. In his last moments, she says, Eric was faced "with betrayal and terror...I am haunted by the horror of it."
Amy says family members have watched as #KouriRichins has tried to portray herself as grieving widow while parading around as a children's book author and trying to profit off his death:
Amy says #KouriRichins refused to help with the funeral but closed on a $2 million home and did other things within the first 48 hours, including breaking into his gun safe.
Amy says she and Kouri had an altercation about the breaking into the safe after Eric's death. She says #KouriRichins looked at her "with pure hatred and rage" as she opposed her plans. She says Kouri punched her in the face and neck multiple times.
Amy says #KouriRichins put together a golf tournament for Eric on what would be his 40th birthday but told family they were not allowed to attend.
Amy also notes that #KouriRichins has taken out "multiple life insurance policies" on her sons and used her kids' real names in her book about grieving. "Her behavior gives me great concern," Amy says.
Amy says #KouriRichins has cut the family out of the boys' lives. She says the family keeps learning new evidence and allegations against Kouri.
Amy says they welcomed #KouriRichins into their family and treated her as one of them. But she says Kouri betrayed Eric, and now they live in fear for the boys' lives and their own. "I never knew evil like this existed."
Amy says #KouriRichins financial situation was bad then and worse now, and she says Kouri is "devoid of moral sensibility" and there's no telling what she would do if she is released.
Amy pleads with the judge to not release #KouriRichins on bail, using "fraudulent" life insurance money. She says she will be afraid of her life and also the lives of Eric's 3 sons. "Our family has already suffered enough.”
Defense will not call any witnesses. They previously filed a brief with the court. Attorney Skye Lazaro will make closing statements.
Lazaro calls this "a really tragic circumstance," and that #KouriRichins "loved her kids and her husband." Lazaro says state hasn't drawn connection between "CL" and Kouri getting fentanyl from her.
Lazaro says state has "zero corroborating evidence" that "CL" was actually buying fentayl for #KouriRichins or provided it to her. There were no traces of fentanyl in the home either, Lazaro notes.
There's no evidence #KouriRichins did anything to Eric Richins, Lazaro says. "Being bad with money does not make you a murderer. Being bad at managing your accounts makes you bad at math, but it doesn't make you a murderer.”
Lazaro notes the $1.3 million in life insurance money doesn't come close to solving #KouriRichins money problems. Lazaro argues Kouri was in a worse position after his death because she didn't have his business income anymore.
Final word now from prosecutors. Summit County Chief Prosecutor Patricia Cassell disagrees with Lazaro, saying there is substantial evidence. She also says witness testified there was a "hand-to-hand" fentanyl transaction from "CL" to #KouriRichins.
Cassell says there would be more evidence if not for the deleted data from #KouriRichins phone.
Cassell also notes #KouriRichins was in "dire financial straits" and deeply in debt. "The way to get out of that debt was to kill Eric Richins."
Judge speaking now. He says the issue today is whether #KouriRichins should continue to be held without bail during pre-trial process.
Judge says there is motive in this case, and there is evidence that a jury could "reasonably infer consciousness of guilt."
BREAKING: Judge has DENIED a request from #KouriRichins to be released on bail during pre-trial process due to severity of charges and potential penalties, and the evidence against her.
This means #KouriRichins will remain incarcerated while the pre-trial process continues.
Next court appearance: June 22 at noon.
Detention Hearing/6.12.2023
NOW: Detention hearing underway in Summit County for Kouri Richins to determine whether she will be held without bail. Kouri is here in the courtroom between her two attorneys.
Kotrodimos says he also analyzed Eric Richins' phone. He says last use was about 9:58pm on March 3, 2022.
Another search from #KouriRichins iPhone, according to Kotrodimos: "luxury prisons" for the rich.
We're back in court after hearing testimony from Summit County Sheriff's Det. J. O'Driscoll, who's testified about Eric Richins' death in March 2022. His wife Kouri is accused of murdering him.
Defense attorney presses Kotrodimos and asks about alleged deletion -- isn't it true he can only say the data was "missing?" Correct, he says. Attorney also asks about the movement of Kouri's phone.
That's the end of testimony for that witness. Next up is Brooke Karrington, a financial forensics expert.
Karrington says her firm was retained by the Summit County Attorney's Office a few weeks ago for the #KouriRichins case.
Karrington says she looked at documents pertaining to #KouriRichins buying and selling homes through her real estate company.
Prosecutor shows the court a timeline prepared by Karrington of properties acquired by #KouriRichins. Karrington says she identified 2 properties in 2019, including one they were living in (and on which a HELOC was taken out).
Trust deeds totaled roughly $471,000 in 2019, Karrington says. That jumped to over $2 million on 5 properties in 2020, and $6,260,458 on 13 properties in 2021. Karrington says business seemed to be growing. "Sometimes that is problematic.”
Karrington says growth too quickly or too robustly is "challenging for a business.”
Karrington says at the end of 2021, #KouriRichins was obligated for over $4 million on the properties she owned.
How much debt was #KouriRichins servicing at end of 2021? In December alone, there were 94 payments totaling $252,000, Karrington says.
Karrington says one account had sued #KouriRichins in December 2021. Karrington also says several payments during that month did not clear the bank due to insufficient funds.
Re: that lawsuit, which was out of New York, Karrington says #KouriRichins used $87,000 in receivables (potential revenue) and was borrowing $60,000 against that. Complaint says #KouriRichins made $21k in payments and then defaulted.
Prosecutor asking about various other accounts relating to Eric and #KouriRichins.
Karrington is painting a picture of #KouriRichins being short of cash as her accounts and lines of credit were exceeded or tapped out.
Judge moves prosecutor on from accounts to a new topic - life insurance. Karrington says there were multiple policies on Eric. Karrington says #KouriRichins got $1.3 million in payouts on life insurance.
Defense attorney now cross examining, asking about homes #KouriRichins still currently owns. Was there evidence of a partnership? Karrington says if there was, it would be reflected in trust deed, and there wasn't any evidence of that.
That's it for testimony from Karrington.
Now a victim impact statement from Amy Richins, Eric's sister. She says his "life was taken in a senseless act of poisoning.”
Amy says she is "brokenhearted" with Eric's loss. She says he loved his family, hunting, and working as entrepreneur.
Amy says Eric Richins was a loving father and coached children in sports. She says he "loved to have fun," especially on motorized toys. She says he built a successful masonry business and built close relationships with everyone he worked with.
"Eric was a true champion of all people," Amy says. She says words can't describe how lonely everyone is who knew him. His death has created "a Grand Canyon sized hole in this community.”
Eric died "under horrendous circumstances," Amy says, wondering what #KouriRichins said to him in his last moments and what, if anything, his sons saw. Why did this happen? Greed or desire to get his assets? "If so, that is abhorrent.”
Amy says she struggles with "how little" Eric Richins meant to #KouriRichins. In his last moments, she says, Eric was faced "with betrayal and terror...I am haunted by the horror of it."
Amy says family members have watched as #KouriRichins has tried to portray herself as grieving widow while parading around as a children's book author and trying to profit off his death:
Amy says #KouriRichins refused to help with the funeral but closed on a $2 million home and did other things within the first 48 hours, including breaking into his gun safe.
Amy says she and Kouri had an altercation about the breaking into the safe after Eric's death. She says #KouriRichins looked at her "with pure hatred and rage" as she opposed her plans. She says Kouri punched her in the face and neck multiple times.
Amy says #KouriRichins put together a golf tournament for Eric on what would be his 40th birthday but told family they were not allowed to attend.
Amy also notes that #KouriRichins has taken out "multiple life insurance policies" on her sons and used her kids' real names in her book about grieving. "Her behavior gives me great concern," Amy says.
Amy says #KouriRichins has cut the family out of the boys' lives. She says the family keeps learning new evidence and allegations against Kouri.
Amy says they welcomed #KouriRichins into their family and treated her as one of them. But she says Kouri betrayed Eric, and now they live in fear for the boys' lives and their own. "I never knew evil like this existed."
Amy says #KouriRichins financial situation was bad then and worse now, and she says Kouri is "devoid of moral sensibility" and there's no telling what she would do if she is released.
Amy pleads with the judge to not release #KouriRichins on bail, using "fraudulent" life insurance money. She says she will be afraid of her life and also the lives of Eric's 3 sons. "Our family has already suffered enough.”
Defense will not call any witnesses. They previously filed a brief with the court. Attorney Skye Lazaro will make closing statements.
Lazaro calls this "a really tragic circumstance," and that #KouriRichins "loved her kids and her husband." Lazaro says state hasn't drawn connection between "CL" and Kouri getting fentanyl from her.
Lazaro says state has "zero corroborating evidence" that "CL" was actually buying fentayl for #KouriRichins or provided it to her. There were no traces of fentanyl in the home either, Lazaro notes.
There's no evidence #KouriRichins did anything to Eric Richins, Lazaro says. "Being bad with money does not make you a murderer. Being bad at managing your accounts makes you bad at math, but it doesn't make you a murderer.”
Lazaro notes the $1.3 million in life insurance money doesn't come close to solving #KouriRichins money problems. Lazaro argues Kouri was in a worse position after his death because she didn't have his business income anymore.
Final word now from prosecutors. Summit County Chief Prosecutor Patricia Cassell disagrees with Lazaro, saying there is substantial evidence. She also says witness testified there was a "hand-to-hand" fentanyl transaction from "CL" to #KouriRichins.
Cassell says there would be more evidence if not for the deleted data from #KouriRichins phone.
Cassell also notes #KouriRichins was in "dire financial straits" and deeply in debt. "The way to get out of that debt was to kill Eric Richins."
Judge speaking now. He says the issue today is whether #KouriRichins should continue to be held without bail during pre-trial process.
Judge says there is motive in this case, and there is evidence that a jury could "reasonably infer consciousness of guilt."
BREAKING: Judge has DENIED a request from #KouriRichins to be released on bail during pre-trial process due to severity of charges and potential penalties, and the evidence against her.
This means #KouriRichins will remain incarcerated while the pre-trial process continues.
Next court appearance: June 22 at noon.
Detention Hearing/6.12.2023
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BREAKING: The court will not grant bail for #KouriRichins. Judge: The state has demonstrated "clear and convincing evidence that the defendant would pose a substantial danger to the community if put on bail."
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Utah author and murder suspect Kouri Richins an ‘extreme danger’ to others, prosecutors argue
Summit County prosecutors on Monday argued that Kouri Richins, who is accused of fatally drugging her husband with fentanyl last year, should be held without bail.
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