UT - Kouri Richins, 33, Author, wife, mom, charged in husband’s unexpected death last year, May 2023 #2

[cocomod]

At the beginning of the hearing, the defense attorneys are whispering about “it’s her fault”. Any guesses what they’re referring to?

I only heard her clearly say "let's put her in the middle" (that was just her defense attorney).

Then, I think the defense attorney and prosecuting attorney were talking when she said, "It's not your fault", then later, "It's my fault". IMHO only, I think they were discussing the how the evidence wasn't organized. This is just my opinion since we cannot see the attorneys during this time.

I also think KR was upset prior to coming in to the courtroom. They had already met prior to walking in to the courtroom and KR was made aware that her defense attorney and the prosecuting attorney were going to have to work through the evidence and that she IS stuck in jail and they canNOT move forward for at least 60 more days. I think she thought she could breeze through this trial and get out quickly. I think KR likely had melt down because she cannot get her way. She tried during the last hearing to push her attorney to change her plans and accommodate her and her attorney told her "no"! She probably wanted a quick turnaround on this evidence and again her attorney told her it isn't reasonable (hence her attorney saying reasonable to the judge as well). I don't think KR likes being told NO and doesn't like having so little control. You can see her getting more upset when hearing the timeline.

 

[Gardenista]

KPCW Radio

Kouri Richins now faces a more than $13 million lawsuit from the family of her late husband Eric. The latest lawsuit filed in relation to Eric Richins’ death raises allegations new and old against...

www.facebook.com

Kouri Richins now faces a more than $13 million lawsuit from the family of her late husband Eric.

The latest lawsuit filed in relation to Eric Richins’ death raises allegations new and old against his wife Kouri, who is accused of poisoning him then writing a children’s book about grieving his death.

Full Story

Eric Richins’ family sues Kouri Richins for money they allege she stole

Kouri Richins now faces a more than $13 million lawsuit from the family of her late husband Eric.

www.kpcw.org

 

[Seattle1]

I only heard her clearly say "let's put her in the middle" (that was just her defense attorney).

Then, I think the defense attorney and prosecuting attorney were talking when she said, "It's not your fault", then later, "It's my fault". IMHO only, I think they were discussing the how the evidence wasn't organized. This is just my opinion since we cannot see the attorneys during this time.

I also think KR was upset prior to coming in to the courtroom. They had already met prior to walking in to the courtroom and KR was made aware that her defense attorney and the prosecuting attorney were going to have to work through the evidence and that she IS stuck in jail and they canNOT move forward for at least 60 more days. I think she thought she could breeze through this trial and get out quickly. I think KR likely had melt down because she cannot get her way. She tried during the last hearing to push her attorney to change her plans and accommodate her and her attorney told her "no"! She probably wanted a quick turnaround on this evidence and again her attorney told her it isn't reasonable (hence her attorney saying reasonable to the judge as well). I don't think KR likes being told NO and doesn't like having so little control. You can see her getting more upset when hearing the timeline.

I recall the hot mic moment during a break at the detention hearing when her attorney told her the trial could take a couple of years and KR was in disbelief -- saying how she would not make it under such a schedule.

I think KR truly believed all she had to do was hire a $$$ attorney and she'd quickly be acquitted, easy-peasy.

Completely delusional.
And missing her May, July, and Sept trips abroad!

MOO

 

[Pruddennce]

I disagree there will be any chance of bail release given the state clearly met the test for proof evident presumption great during the detention hearing (i.e., the exception to bail being a matter of right for a capital felony).

And Judge Richard Mrazik's constant reminder for keeping the preliminary hearing on schedule because the defendant is being held in custody while presumed innocent is very much the norm today in a climate of bail reform-- especially with civil rights advocates. (It didn't take much research of Mrazick's rulings to see he's very much a "constitutional judicial" including his recent denial for Summit County's request for a preliminary injunction at Park City Tech Center). JMO

Please see the evolution of pretrial bail release in Utah per the attached history of the Statute on this subject.

https://le.utah.gov/interim/2021/pdf/00002072.pdf

 

[Pruddennce]

I disagree there will be any chance of bail release given the state clearly met the test for proof evident presumption great during the detention hearing (i.e., the exception to bail being a matter of right for a capital felony).

And Judge Richard Mrazik's constant reminder for keeping the preliminary hearing on schedule because the defendant is being held in custody while presumed innocent is very much the norm today in a climate of bail reform-- especially with civil rights advocates. (It didn't take much research of Mrazick's rulings to see he's very much a "constitutional judicial" including his recent denial for Summit County's request for a preliminary injunction at Park City Tech Center). JMO

Please see the evolution of pretrial bail release in Utah per the attached history of the Statute on this subject.

https://le.utah.gov/interim/2021/pdf/00002072.pdf

thank you for a comprehensive response!

 

[neesaki]

He does seem to go overboard in mentioning the fact that she's having to be jailed, but IMO he was also quite strict in observing the guidelines for holding her. He was even explicit about this maybe being a capital case (which point KR almost certainly is in denial about).

The "good luck" thing was very strange.

While acknowledging that she may be suffering, the judge also makes it clear that the timing ball is in defense's court. He would rather see less than 60 days, but it's all on them. I don't guess they'll be ready sooner than 60 days, but that's between them and their client. (IMO Lazaro doesn't like her client, so this could be very entertaining.)

As a result of all this, we might not see too many delays in this case.

That’s the one thing about the judge I also find strange, always wishing her the best of luck . Seems an odd thing to say to an alleged murderer. I wonder if he does that with all defendants in his court. Maybe it’s his way of emphasizing the fact that he’s impartial?

 

[RickshawFan]

That’s the one thing about the judge I also find strange, always wishing her the best of luck . Seems an odd thing to say to an alleged murderer. I wonder if he does that with all defendants in his court. Maybe it’s his way of emphasizing the fact that he’s impartial?

I understood it to be a way of underlining that every defendant is entitled to a fair trial, and every defendant is innocent until proven guilty. But I thought the words were poorly chosen.

 

[arielilane]

Im wondering if they will try again. After the hearing regarding setting a prelim date, the judge, which I commented on previously as him being odd 'wishing her the best of luck' also made a comment that he would see her on Sept 1 in person, IF NOT SOONER. the defense was asking for 60 days. I dont see her defense coming back any earlier than that on that issue, but its plausible they will come back and make another bid for bail. the constant lament by the judge to keep things moving because she is in jail, well, again its another strange 'concern' IMO for her by the judge.

her display of wiping her eyes and sniffling when he spoke to her was IMO an attempt for sympathy and possibly a setup for another bail hearing maybe?

The law does allow an appeal for bail. Imo, defense would have made the request at the June 22 hearing. No surprise that there was no request made. Prior to a hearing, defense will sit down with their client. I suspect that the defense advised KR the status of her case and were rather transparent with her, and this was apparent by KR’s emotional behavior during the hearing. KR’s realty setting in?

Regarding the judge, he comes across as fair and gracious.

Speculation and MOO

 

[arielilane]

The Role of Judges

What does a judge do? Maybe it's best to start with what he or she doesn't do. Even though he or she works for the state, a judge is not a law enforcement officer. A judge is not a prosecutor. Judges don't arrest people or try to prove them guilty.

Judges are like umpires in baseball or referees in football or basketball. Their role is to see that the rules of court procedures are followed by both sides. Like the ump, they call 'em as they see 'em, according to the facts and law—without regard to which side is popular (no home field advantage), without regard to who is "favored," without regard for what the spectators want, and without regard to whether the judge agrees with the law.

How Courts Work

www.americanbar.org

The Human Element of Being a Judge

 

[Seattle1]

The detention hearing (held 2 weeks ago) was streamed by Court TV, and the Court ruled that the prosecution met its burden (proof evident presumption great) to show why KR should be denied pretrial bail release.

If the Court (Judge Mrazik) failed in its decision to deny KR pretrial bail release, I believe media would be saturated with reports pointing out all the appealable errors (i.e., legal mistakes) Judge Mrazik made during the hearing.

While Utah statute does provide a 30-day window to appeal the Trial Court's decision, there has to be a basis to do so (i.e., legal mistake). In other words, there's no free do-over to seek bail just because the defendant wants to go home and sleep in their own bed.

I'm curious about what legal error others are seeing here to think KR ever had a basis to appeal her bail decision.

Kouri Richins to remain in jail after judge denies request for bail - Park Record

Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik on Monday denied a request to allow Kouri Richins to post bail, which means she will remain in the Summit County Jail throughout court proceedings.

www.parkrecord.com

Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik on Monday denied a request to allow Kouri Richins to post bail, which means she will remain in the Summit County Jail throughout court proceedings. Mrazik this week indicated the evidence presented by prosecutors weighed soundly against granting pretrial release of any kind, noting the potential punishment of 20 years in prison to the death penalty.

The judge noted the possibility of such a sentence could cause people to resort to desperate acts such as harming themselves or others, and he added that the uniquely dangerous nature of fentanyl also played a role in the decision. He said Kouri’s alleged conduct is especially dangerous and that it could not be adequately managed by pretrial release.

[..]

Prosecutors were tasked with proving there is enough substantial evidence in the case to support the charges, which included interviews with witnesses, financial records and cellphone data. Defense attorneys for Kouri Richins, meanwhile, attempted to poke holes in the testimony.

 

[arielilane]

Estate of Eric Richins files $13 million lawsuit against Kouri Richins

The lawsuit alleges Kouri Richins stole 'hundreds of thousands' of dollars from Eric Richins and obtained fraudulent loans while he was alive.

www.courttv.com

last updated 2:15 PM, June 28, 2023

PARK CITY, Utah — The estate of Eric Richins filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Kouri Richins, a Utah woman who is accused of killing her husband before authoring a book on grief.

The lawsuit seeks damages worth more than $13 million.

Kouri 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.

 

[Seattle1]

520541b6-richins_estate_v_richins_complaint_06282023-ctv.pdf

Pdf Pages 1-48

https://storage.googleapis.com/www-courttv-uploads/2023/06/520541b6-richins_estate_v_richins_complaint_06282023-ctv.pdf

 

[neesaki]

520541b6-richins_estate_v_richins_complaint_06282023-ctv.pdf

Pdf Pages 1-48

https://storage.googleapis.com/www-courttv-uploads/2023/06/520541b6-richins_estate_v_richins_complaint_06282023-ctv.pdf

What a mess she was, the way she conned him, up one wall and down the other. All about the money. What a piece of work. JMO

 

[Cindizzi]

One of the sisters of Eric Richins, who prosecutors say was fatally drugged by his wife last year, filed a lawsuit against her brother’s widow Tuesday, accusing Kouri Richins of enacting a “horrific endgame” to steal money from her husband, orchestrate his death and profit from it.

[…]

The lawsuit states that Eric Richins had at least two retirement accounts with about $55,000 between them that should’ve gone to his estate when he died, but that Kouri Richins wrongfully obtained a payout of both accounts.

[…]

In all, Katie Richins-Benson seeks $5 million in the lawsuit, according to the filing, as well as punitive damages.

Allegations over Eric Richins’ money​

Starting in 2016 and perhaps earlier, the lawsuit states, Kouri Richins began having financial troubles. In 2019, she formed K. Richins Realty, and started stealing money from her husband to fund her business and attempt to address her money problems, the complaint alleges.

[…]

Eric Richins’ identity and alleged wrongful death​

The lawsuit accuses Kouri Richins of profiting from her husband’s identity in the advertising, marketing and promotion of her children’s book, which was published in March. None of that money was shared with the estate, the complaint states.

The complaint also alleges that Kouri Richins’ “abused” her husband’s personal identity as she sold and promoted her book on Amazon and in an April segment on KTVX-Channel 4′s “Good Things Utah.” The book has since been removed from Amazon’s website.

“Katie is further entitled to a permanent injunction forever barring Kouri from disseminating, selling or reproducing” the book, the lawsuit states.

[…]


“By knowingly and intentionally poisoning Eric, Kouri demonstrated a reckless indifference toward and absolute disregard of Eric’s rights, safety, health, and well-being,” the complaint states.
Kouri Richins is currently in custody at the Summit County jail, where she is being held without bail. Her next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1.

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[arielilane]

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Eric Richins' Estate Files $13M Lawsuit Against Kouri Richins​

 

[neesaki]

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Eric Richins' Estate Files $13M Lawsuit Against Kouri Richins​

That book she “wrote” is flat out creepy.JMO

 

[arielilane]

Video is just over 1 minute.

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The Kouri Richins Case so Far​

 

[Gardenista]

Investigators tracking but haven't charged woman accused of selling drugs in Richins murder case

Investigators are tracking a Heber City woman suspected of selling fentanyl used to kill Kouri Richins' husband but haven't arrested her or charged her in connection with the case.

www.ksl.com

 

[Countem]

Investigators tracking but haven't charged woman accused of selling drugs in Richins murder case

Investigators are tracking a Heber City woman suspected of selling fentanyl used to kill Kouri Richins' husband but haven't arrested her or charged her in connection with the case.

www.ksl.com

I would be surprised if there weren’t some sort of plea deal in the works.

 

[arielilane]

A Heber City woman who allegedly sold the fentanyl that investigators believe was used to kill Kouri Richins' husband made a brief appearance in court on Wednesday.

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https://twitter.com/KSL5TV

Woman accused of selling drugs to Kori Richins is being tracked but not charged

Investigators are tracking a Heber City woman suspected of selling fentanyl used to kill Kouri Richins' husband but haven't arrested her or charged her in connection with the case.

ksltv.com

Jul 5, 2023, 8:35 PM | Updated: 8:38 pm

HEBER CITY, Utah — A Heber City woman who allegedly sold the fentanyl that investigators believe was used to kill Kouri Richins’ husband made a brief appearance in court on Wednesday.

Carmen Marie Lauber, 51, has not been arrested or charged with any crimes connected to the March 4, 2022, death of 39-year-old Eric Richins. However, she has been named in several court documents concerning the Kouri Richins murder case.


[...] Richins was denied bail at her last court hearing. Her next appearance is scheduled for Sept. 1. Lauber’s next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 16.