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

[AnyNameIWish]

Jury is made up of 2 women, 6 men.
The alternates are four women.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2021645818936406388

Ugh. This totally could go either way.

I think 6 men seated is a benefit for the defense.... "pretty, demure, young wittle waydi wouldn't possibly poison her big burly husband! This must have been an overdose!!"

I do worry that, since we are not likely to hear about the fraud other than the insurance policy (which could be written off as coincidence or error,) it's going to be an uphill battle to paint this Nice Lady as a cold-blooded killer.

I hope we see more evidence with the paramour.... more texts between them... maybe it'll be more clear she wanted Eric's money more than a divorce.

 

[JosieMae]

There is so much evidence against KR, the make-up of the jury won't be an issue. MOO.

 

[Seattle1]

There is so much evidence against KR, the make-up of the jury won't be an issue. MOO.

I absolutely agree @JosieMae !

And as far as 6 of 8 jurors being male, Eric was a very successful tradesman, and who could forget KR's arraignment when Eric's crew showed up wearing work boots and newer company branded t-shirts-- as they squeezed into the back rows of the courtroom. I think more of these jurors will relate to Eric than not. JMO

 

[cujenn81]

“I don’t trust me the media, 100%.” - Prospective juror

I was waiting for that one

Back to the important stuff; we’re on prospective juror 21.

Kouri has since put on a light grey sweater and is seated between two members of her defense team.

Only 6-7 members of the media still in the courtroom.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2021311525718278516

I recently had to report for jury duty. And y’all, the screening process for seating the jury was the most mind-numbingly boring thing I’ve had to sit through in a very long time. (I was ecstatic when my name wasn’t on the list of 30 people — chosen by a computer at random — to stay for more in depth questioning.)

I guess I’ve become so accustomed to scrolling on Websleuths or reading on my Kindle app while waiting that it’s pure torture to just sit around and do nothing without a phone. I’m not surprised that only a handful of media lasted stayed the whole day.

 

[Niner]

SO @arielilane - is there still a Jury Instructions hearing on 2/19/26 @ 1pm? Or going straight to 2/23? TIA!

 

[arielilane]

SO @arielilane - is there still a Jury Instructions hearing on 2/19/26 @ 1pm? Or going straight to 2/23? TIA!

I believe they are going directly (no collecting $200 when passing GO) to trial.

Defendant's trial scheduled from Feb. 23 to Mar. 26.

 

[arielilane]

Ugh. This totally could go either way.

I think 6 men seated is a benefit for the defense.... "pretty, demure, young wittle waydi wouldn't possibly poison her big burly husband! This must have been an overdose!!"

I do worry that, since we are not likely to hear about the fraud other than the insurance policy (which could be written off as coincidence or error,) it's going to be an uphill battle to paint this Nice Lady as a cold-blooded killer.

I hope we see more evidence with the paramour.... more texts between them... maybe it'll be more clear she wanted Eric's money more than a divorce.

imo. As long as the jurors are mindful of the totality of the evidence presented, critical thinkers, justice should prevail.
Hopeful!

 

[Niner]

I believe they are going directly (no collecting $200 when passing GO) to trial.

Defendant's trial scheduled from Feb. 23 to Mar. 26.

Oh - I thought you had access to the court site. But okay - I shall move her to 2/23 then! And Thanks!

 

[Seattle1]

@Niner -- here you go:


1:00 PM In Person Hearing
2/13/2026

THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT - SILVER SUMMIT DISTR (Hearing location is in PARK CITY - More Info)
District Court


STATE OF UTAH
vs.
KOURI DARDEN RICHINS
RICHARD MRAZIK
COURTROOM B
ARGUMENT

Case # 231500139
State Felony
View Case Details


1:00 PM In Person Hearing
2/19/2026

THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT - SILVER SUMMIT DISTR (Hearing location is in PARK CITY - More Info)
District Court


STATE OF UTAH
vs.
KOURI DARDEN RICHINS
RICHARD MRAZIK
COURTROOM B
JURY INSTRUCTIONS

Case # 231500139
State Felony
View Case Details


8:30 AM In Person Hearing
2/23/2026 - 3/26/26

THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT - SILVER SUMMIT DISTR (Hearing location is in PARK CITY - More Info)
District Court


STATE OF UTAH
vs.
KOURI DARDEN RICHINS
RICHARD MRAZIK
COURTROOM B
TRIAL-JURY

Case # 231500139
State Felony
View Case Detai


https://legacy.utcourts.gov/cal/search.php?t=p&c=&p=RICHINS+KOURI&j=&f=&l=&b=&d=all&loc=all

 

[Seattle1]

Here’s a timeline of the Kouri Richins case as jury is now selected for her murder tria

Jury selection was underway Tuesday in the upcoming trial of the Kamas mother accused of fatally poisoning her husband and then writing a children's book about coping with grief.

www.deseret.com

2/11/26

Kouri Richins will face trial on charges of aggravated murder and attempted murder of her husband, Eric Richins, insurance fraud and forgery. She has pleaded not guilty.

Despite repeated requests from her attorneys to move it, the trial will stay in Summit County. The trial begins on Feb. 23 and is expected to last through March 26.

The majority of possible jurors were passed by the judge on the first day of jury selection. Many of them said they have read or seen some media coverage of the case but didn’t know a lot of details and said they didn’t have strong opinions.

 

[Niner]

@Niner -- here you go:


1:00 PM In Person Hearing
2/13/2026

THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT - SILVER SUMMIT DISTR (Hearing location is in PARK CITY - More Info)
District Court


STATE OF UTAH
vs.
KOURI DARDEN RICHINS
RICHARD MRAZIK
COURTROOM B
ARGUMENT

Case # 231500139
State Felony
View Case Details


1:00 PM In Person Hearing
2/19/2026

THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT - SILVER SUMMIT DISTR (Hearing location is in PARK CITY - More Info)
District Court


STATE OF UTAH
vs.
KOURI DARDEN RICHINS
RICHARD MRAZIK
COURTROOM B
JURY INSTRUCTIONS

Case # 231500139
State Felony
View Case Details


8:30 AM In Person Hearing
2/23/2026 - 3/26/26

THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT - SILVER SUMMIT DISTR (Hearing location is in PARK CITY - More Info)
District Court


STATE OF UTAH
vs.
KOURI DARDEN RICHINS
RICHARD MRAZIK
COURTROOM B
TRIAL-JURY

Case # 231500139
State Felony
View Case Detai


https://legacy.utcourts.gov/cal/search.php?t=p&c=&p=RICHINS+KOURI&j=&f=&l=&b=&d=all&loc=all

Thanks a bunch!!
I see an added hearing for tomorrow - "Argument" - probably still wants change of venue.... Again! Thanks!

 

[Seattle1]

2/11/26

IN DEPTH: Jury for Kouri Richins murder trial selected days ahead of schedule​

KR news begins at about 2 minute marker.

 

[Seattle1]

Thanks a bunch!!
I see an added hearing for tomorrow - "Argument" - probably still wants change of venue.... Again! Thanks!

Per the KUTV2 News video above, the 2/13/26 "Argument" at 1:00 PM is a Motions hearing by the Prosecutor about a defense witness that the state has an issue with.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The 12-person jury includes eight primary jurors and four alternates. All are scheduled to report to the courthouse when the trial begins Feb. 23.

Jury selection began Tuesday with more than 25 prospective jurors questioned in open court. The process followed a 23-page questionnaire containing 99 questions that potential jurors completed in advance. The survey asked about media consumption, prior knowledge of the case, interactions with law enforcement, civic involvement, marital history and other background information

Jury selected in Kouri Richins murder trial - TownLift, Park City News

Proceedings are set to begin Feb. 23 in Summit County

townlift.com

 

[Niner]

Friday, February 13th:
*Motions Hearing (@ 1pm 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 began on 2/10/26 & ended on 2/11/26. Jury consists of 8 jurors [2 women & 6 men] & 4 alternates. [4 women].
Jury instructions hearing on 2/19/26 @ 1pm.
Murder Trial set to begin on 2/23/26 [thru 3/26/26].
Third District Court Summit County 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 2/2/26 & Jury Selection Day 1 (2/10/26) reference post #664 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ted-death-last-year-may-2023-3.711978/page-34
2/11/26 Wednesday, Jury Selection Day 2: Defense & prosecution will begin with peremptory challenges to strike prospective jurors. Judge Mrazik asks both sides if they’re opposed to excusing the 8:30am block of jurors. Both agree. They’ll come to a conclusion about excusing others at the end of peremptory challenges. Prosecutors executed 5 of 6 strikes. Defense is contesting one of the strikes based on a “Batson Challenge” specifying race; the only “non-white person on this panel”. Judge Mrazik reminds the defense does not have to provide a reason for their strike. Defense is pleading their case that the juror should stay & not be removed. “The fact that she’s a minority is not sufficient.” - Judge Mrazik. Judge confirms the State's peremptory strike. Defense’s Batson Challenge is denied. 12-person jury seated in the Kouri Richins case. Judge Mrazik confirmed with both prosecutors & the defense counsel shortly after 10am today, day 2 of jury selection. They will be present on 2/23/26 at 8am for the first day of the trial. All eight selected as primary jurors were from the early morning group on Tuesday. The four alternates are from the afternoon groups. Jury is made up of 2 women & 6 men. The alternates are four women.
2/12/26 Update: Next argument hearing on 2/13/26 @ 1pm; "Argument" hearing is a Motions hearing by the Prosecutor about a defense witness that the state has an issue with. An In Person hearing With Judge Richard Mrazik presiding. Then jury instructions hearing on 2/19/26 @ 1pm. And trial set to begin on 2/23/26 & run to 3/26/26 @ 8:30am.

 

[arielilane]

SO @arielilane - is there still a Jury Instructions hearing on 2/19/26 @ 1pm? Or going straight to 2/23? TIA!

Sorry, @Niner, I misread your post. Of course there will be jury instructions. Not sure of court date, though.

 

[arielilane]

I’m in Summit County today at the Third District Court House for a hearing in the Kouri Richins case. We’re told they’ll be discussing whether certain experts will be allowed to testify at her trial. They will not be streaming this, so I’ll be here monitoring it.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2022394860821770335