UT - Kouri Richins, 33, Author, wife, mom, charged in husband’s unexpected death last year, May 2023 #3

[arielilane]

"I know you think you have nothing to do with this case, but here are the facts: You are a material witness in a murder case." New filing in the Kouri Richins case. Defense "Motion to Compel Disclosure of Communications with Trial Witnesses." An unnamed witness contacted the defense, saying, "that she was being harassed by an investigator working with the prosecution..." Attached to the motion are texts between a witness and the investigator. 1/2)


2/2 - New filing in UT v. Kouri Richins

https://twitter.com/x/status/2015805097696194745

 

[Niner]

2/2 - New filing in UT v. Kouri Richins

Is there an actual document link we can see. If I click on Cathy's posts - it brings me to x - and I have no account there & can not see anything there. TIA if you do!

 

[Seattle1]

Kouri Richins claims the state is threatening witnesses and seeks all communications

Attorneys for Kouri Richins claim prosecutors threatened witnesses, one with a warrant and another with loss of immunity. They want all communications between prosecutors and witnesses.

www.ksl.com

1/26/26

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Kouri Richins' attorneys allege the prosecution is threatening witnesses ahead of her trial, which begins next month.
• They want copies of all communications between witnesses and prosecutors.
• Richins is charged with fatally poisoning her husband in early 2022.

In a motion filed Sunday, Richins' attorney asked 3rd District Judge Richard Mrazik to require prosecutors and their investigators to turn over all messages with witnesses in the case.

They supported the claim with screenshots of text messages from two witnesses: one who communicated with lead detective Jeff O'Driscoll, and another who communicated with the prosecution team's lead investigator, Travis Hopper. The emails were provided to KSL by the defense.

 

[Seattle1]

Attorneys for Kouri Richins claims state investigators harassed, intimidated witnesses

Defense attorneys in the Kouri Richins murder case filed a motion with the court, accusing the prosecution of witness intimidation.Richins' attorneys filed a mo

kutv.com

1/26/26

Attorneys said Utah Code prohibits threatening witnesses with harm, including "physical, emotional or economic injury or damage." They claim that threatening to arrest someone who will not provide testimony ahead of trial would "suffice as 'harm.'"

They claimed that even if their actions are not criminal, they still violated the Victim and Witness Rights, which call for respectful treatment of witnesses.

"The defense is hereby requesting the Court to compel the prosecution to disclose any and all text messages, voice mails, recorded calls, emails, or any other digital messaging with witnesses," their request states.

Prosecutors told KUTV that they will be addressing the issue privately with the court.

"We will be responding non-publicly with the Court, as is appropriate this close to jury selection," Attorney Margaret Olson said.

 

[arielilane]

Is there an actual document link we can see. If I click on Cathy's posts - it brings me to x - and I have no account there & can not see anything there. TIA if you do!

https://kutv.com/resources/pdf/1deb3fa3-e635-42de-aff2-115d98a309d6-260125MotiontoCompel.pdf#toolbar=0&navpanes=0&scrollbar=0

 

[arielilane]

Attached comprehensive timeline:

Here is a timeline of events with information from court documents, hearings and civil cases.

https://www.abc4.com/richins/kouri-richins-complete-timeline-in-murder-case/?ipid=promo-link-block1

Jan. 26, 2026: Kouri Richins’ attorneys filed a motion stating that state detectives have allegedly harassed and threatened two witnesses in the case. The attorneys also filed a motion that would require the prosecution to disclose al communications with trial witnesses, including investigators. Jury selection for Richins’ trial has been set for Feb. 10 – 13, and 17 – 18. The jury trial will commence Feb. 23 and run for five weeks, Monday through Thursday, until March 26, 2026

 

[arielilane]

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — The attorneys for the Kamas woman accused of f killing her husband have filed a motion that states detectives have harassed and threatened two witnesses in the case.

https://www.abc4.com/richins/richins-investigators-harass-witnesses-claims/

1/26/2026

 

[Niner]

Attached comprehensive timeline:

Here is a timeline of events with information from court documents, hearings and civil cases.

https://www.abc4.com/richins/kouri-richins-complete-timeline-in-murder-case/?ipid=promo-link-block1

Jan. 26, 2026: Kouri Richins’ attorneys filed a motion stating that state detectives have allegedly harassed and threatened two witnesses in the case. The attorneys also filed a motion that would require the prosecution to disclose al communications with trial witnesses, including investigators. Jury selection for Richins’ trial has been set for Feb. 10 – 13, and 17 – 18. The jury trial will commence Feb. 23 and run for five weeks, Monday through Thursday, until March 26, 2026

Thanks!

 

[Justice101]

Harassed? Hmm... don't think asking someone to continue on cooperating is harassment, do you?

 

[windrower]

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — The attorneys for the Kamas woman accused of f killing her husband have filed a motion that states detectives have harassed and threatened two witnesses in the case.

https://www.abc4.com/richins/richins-investigators-harass-witnesses-claims/

1/26/2026

Since these witnesses are prosecution witnesses, why are they going to the defense for help instead of the judge/court?

Why would any witness ask the opposing counsel for help?

Could such communications be fabricated?

I guess we’ll find out soon.

IMO

 

[Megnut]

Harassed? Hmm... don't think asking someone to continue on cooperating is harassment, do you?

And not just witnesses, but witnesses who were hranted provisional immunity. Reminding them of their provisional immunity -- granted for their cooperation -- and reminding them of the legal and practical consequences of being uncooperative, is that harassment? Or just stating the truth?

Methinks the witnesses don't like the truth.

JMO

 

[cujenn81]

Kouri Richins claims the state is threatening witnesses and seeks all communications

Attorneys for Kouri Richins claim prosecutors threatened witnesses, one with a warrant and another with loss of immunity. They want all communications between prosecutors and witnesses.

www.ksl.com

1/26/26

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Kouri Richins' attorneys allege the prosecution is threatening witnesses ahead of her trial, which begins next month.
• They want copies of all communications between witnesses and prosecutors.
• Richins is charged with fatally poisoning her husband in early 2022.

In a motion filed Sunday, Richins' attorney asked 3rd District Judge Richard Mrazik to require prosecutors and their investigators to turn over all messages with witnesses in the case.

They supported the claim with screenshots of text messages from two witnesses: one who communicated with lead detective Jeff O'Driscoll, and another who communicated with the prosecution team's lead investigator, Travis Hopper. The emails were provided to KSL by the defense.

I would hardly call that threatening. They are telling him/her what will happen if they stop cooperating. They aren’t wrong.

 

[Megnut]

I would hardly call that threatening. They are telling him/her what will happen if they stop cooperating. They aren’t wrong.

Exactly.

They weren't garden variety witnesses. They are witnesses who agreed to cooperate in exchange for personal advantage. If they choose to cooperate less, the advantage is withdrawn. Those were the terms.

JMO

 

[Seattle1]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2016497529181946023

 

[Justice101]

Is she a pathological liar and has been forever? Or just now telling lies to cover up her recent actions?

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Is she a pathological liar and has been forever? Or just now telling lies to cover up her recent actions?

Following from pretty much the beginning... pathological is what I would say.

 

[Niner]

Monday, February 2nd:
*Motions Hearing (@ 9am 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 35) arrested (5/8/23) & charged (6/5/23) & arraigned (8/27/24) 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 [charges dismissed 11/12/24], 2 counts of 2nd degree mortgage fraud (Iron Bridge Financial & Boomerang Finance), 2 counts of 2nd degree insurance fraud & 2 counts of 3rd degree forgery. Plead not guilty (8/27/24). Held without bond. Bond denied (6/12/23). Bond denied (11/18/25). DA will not seek DP (8/18/23).
*Charged (6/27/25) with 5 counts of mortgage fraud, 5 counts of forgery, 7 counts of issuing a bad check, 7 counts of money laundering, 1 count of communications fraud & 1 count of a pattern of unlawful activity. 3rd Judicial District Court Summit County
Jury selection set to begin on 2/10/26 [2/11, 2/12, 2/13, 2/17 & 2/18/26]. Jury will consist of 8 jurors & 4 alternates.
Murder Trial set to begin on 2/23/26 [thru 3/26/26].
Third District court Judge Richard Mrazik presiding. Prosecutors Patricia Cassell & Deputy Salt Lake County attorney Brad Bloodworth & Defense attorneys Kathy Nester & Wendy Lewis & Alex Ramos.
Case & court info from 6/5/23 thru 1/2/26 reference post #583 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ted-death-last-year-may-2023-3.711978/page-30
1/7/26 Update: Defense argued about the State's every expert testimony to be thrown out. Judge said there's no evidence to suggest DV before Eric Richins died. The state has no foundation to introduce DV expert testimony. The question is why did the victim stay when he thought she was trying to murder him. Judge thinks there's no evidence to show he knew/suspected. State wants judge to reserve ruling on whether Eric knew or not. Tomorrow's hearing is CLOSED to the public/media. There are a number of motions by both sides that were filed under seal. They are going to discuss those tomorrow. They said it involves evidence they are asking the judge not to allow in trial, and therefore, if the hearing were public, it would defeat the purpose of keeping that info from the potential jury Judge: To ensure the integrity of voir dire and juror pool. Evidentiary hearing continues on 1/8/26 @ 9:30am. According to Judge Richard Mrazik, as of Dec. 30, 1,486 jury questionnaires have been completed in Summit County. An additional 345 have been sent but have not been responded to, and those potential jurors are being notified again on Friday to complete those questionnaires.
1/8/26 Update: Judge Richard Mrazik said a notebook [first five pages from an orange notebook[ with Richins' first-hand account of her husband's death could potentially be used at her trial. He also addressed the admissibility of evidence of Eric Richins' abuse & drug use, the "Walk the Dog" letter [but court records don't yet show what portions will be able to be used in the trial] & multiple motions around trial evidence. Multiple motions the judge ruled on were filed privately, and the evidence they address is not outlined in public notes from Thursday's hearing. In some, Mrazik ruled in favor of Richins, and in others he ruled in favor of the prosecutor. He admitted some portions of an interview with Kouri, but said he would wait to decide on others. Mrazik also said he was not ready to rule on certain jail calls & text messages prosecutors want to be able to use in their case. Mrazik considered whether certain expert witnesses will be allowed at the trial. Court records indicate the judge will address any other motions about what can be brought into trial during a strikes for cause/argument hearing on 2/2/26 @ 9am. Then Jury Instructions hearing on 2/9/26 @ 1pm. The jury trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on 2/10/26.
1/25/26 Docket update: In a motion filed Sunday, Richins' attorney asked 3rd District Judge Richard Mrazik to require prosecutors & their investigators to turn over all messages with witnesses in the case. Richins' attorneys allege the prosecution is threatening witnesses ahead of her trial, which begins next month. They want copies of all communications between witnesses & prosecutors. They supported the claim with screenshots of text messages from two witnesses: one who communicated with lead detective Jeff O'Driscoll & another who communicated with the prosecution team's lead investigator, Travis Hopper. The emails were provided to KSL by the defense.

 

[arielilane]

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah (Scripps News Group) — Days before her trial is set to begin, Kouri Richins has requested it be moved out of Summit County due to the belief that she cannot receive a fair trial.

The latest request for a change of venue was filed on Friday after the defense team received the jury questionnaires. The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on Feb. 10.

2/2/2026

Richins is due in court Monday for a motions hearing.