June 15, 2013

• Kouri Richins and Eric Richins are married.
• They sign a prenuptial agreement outlining financial arrangements.
• The agreement states Eric’s assets would remain his in the event of divorce.
• Kouri would be entitled to certain assets if Eric died while they were still married.

2015 to 2017

• Kouri allegedly purchases at least four life insurance policies on Eric’s life.
• The aggregate death benefit is nearly $2 million.
• Prosecutors allege the policies were taken out without Eric’s knowledge.

2018

• Kouri Richins and Eric Richins are married.
• They later have four sons.

2019 to 2020

• The family lives in Summit County, Utah.
• Kouri Richins becomes involved in real estate ventures.
• Investigators later point to growing financial strain.

March 2019

• Kouri opens a bank account without Eric’s knowledge.
• She obtains a revolving line of credit.
• She borrows approximately $250,000 using a forged Deed of Trust.

April 26, 2019

• K. Richins Realty LLC formed

September 2020

• Eric discovers Kouri withdrew $100,000 from his bank accounts.
• He learns she borrowed $30,000 using his credit cards.
• He also learns she borrowed money using a fraudulent Power of Attorney.
• Eric confronts Kouri, who promises to repay the money but allegedly does not.
• Prosecutors allege Kouri misused approximately $494,000 of Eric’s money.
• She is also accused of misappropriating tax payments totaling $134,346.

October 2020

• Eric consults a divorce lawyer and an estate planning attorney.
• He changes his will.
• He forms the Eric Richins Living Trust.
• Control of his estate is placed with his sister, Katie Richins-Benson.
• The Trust is established for the benefit of his three children.
• Eric transfers his business partnership interest into the Trust.
• He designates the Trust as the beneficiary of his $500,000 life insurance policy instead of Kouri.

November 2020

• Eric signs a will that includes provisions for his three children.

2021

• Eric Richins reportedly expresses concern about finances.
• Prosecutors later allege disputes about money and control of accounts.
• Life insurance policies are later cited by investigators as relevant to motive.

August 28, 2021 – December 22, 2021

• Kouri issues a series of bad checks from Navy Federal accounts with zero or negative balances.
• Funds are routed through K. Richins Realty and personal accounts before checks are returned.
• Charged as multiple felony counts of issuing bad checks and money laundering

June 29, 2021

• First charged act of mortgage fraud and forgery.
• Kouri submits a falsified bank statement to Iron Bridge Financial showing over $210,000 in funds that did not exist

August 2, 2021

• Second charged act of mortgage fraud and forgery involving Boomerang Finance.
• Another falsified bank statement is submitted

August 12, 2021

• Additional falsified personal bank statement submitted to Excell Financial Services

October 13, 2021

• Additional falsified bank statement submitted in support of mortgage lending

November 23, 2021

• Further falsified bank documentation submitted.
• Charged as mortgage fraud and forgery

January 1, 2022

• Kouri allegedly changes the beneficiary of Eric’s $2 million life insurance policy to herself without authorization.
• The original beneficiary was Eric’s business partner.
• The business partner is later restored as beneficiary once the change is discovered.
• Kouri also applies for a new $100,000 life insurance policy on Eric.

January 22, 2022

• Kouri asks a contractor for fentanyl and later propofol.
• Requests are denied.
• Related text messages are manually deleted from her phone

January 29, 2022

• Kouri applies for a $100,000 life insurance policy on Eric through TruStage.
• Eric has no affiliation with the credit union used for eligibility.
• Application includes a forged signature, incorrect phone number, and a PO Box controlled by Kouri

February 11, 2022

• 3:42 pm Kouri asks Lauber for fentanyl.
• She allegedly pays $900 for approximately 15 to 20 pills.

February 14, 2022

• After a Valentine’s Day dinner at their home, Eric becomes seriously ill.
• Eric eats a sandwich prepared by Kouri.
• Eric later tells a friend he believes Kouri is trying to poison him.
• Kouri allegedly calls a local diner and pays $41.29 for the meal.
• Eric uses his son’s EpiPen and drinks Benadryl after eating the sandwich.

February 26, 2022

• Kouri contacts her friend again requesting stronger fentanyl pills.
• She specifically asks for what she calls “Michael Jackson stuff.”

March 3, 2022

• Evening. Eric Richins is home with Kouri Richins.
• Prosecutors later allege she prepared an alcoholic drink for him.
• The state later alleges fentanyl was added.

March 4, 2022

• 3:00 a.m. Kouri calls 911 stating Eric is not breathing.
• 3:21 a.m Summit County Sheriff’s Deputies and EMS staff responded to a residence located at 282 Willow Court, in Summit County on the report of an unresponsive male. When they arrived, they found Eric Richins (“Eric”) on the floor at the foot of his bed. 
• Life saving measures were attempted, but Eric was declared deceased. EMS notes Eric had been deceased for some time.
• 3:58 a.m Time of death was called at 3:58 a.m.
• 5:50 a.m. Deputy Nguyen begins speaking with Kouri Richins outside the bedroom.
• Kouri states she and Eric were “fine” before going to bed.
• She reports they had a drink together around 9:00 p.m. to celebrate something related to work.
• She gives inconsistent bedtimes, first stating 9:30 p.m., then correcting to 9:45 p.m.
• 6:30 a.m Cameron Larson Medical Examiner in the Summit County was called to the home to examine the deceased. She was responsible for putting Eric in the body bag with any items, such as medication, and sealing it. 
• Interview: Kouri stated that at around 21:00 hours on March 3, 2022, she and Eric were celebrating her closing on a house for her business.
• She stated that she made Eric a Moscow Mule in the kitchen and brought it to their bedroom where Eric consumed it while sitting in bed.
• The only people in the house were Kouri, Eric, and their children.
• Kouri stated she went to bed and shortly after went to sleep with one of the children in the child’s bedroom because that the child was having a night terror.
• Kouri said she awoke around 03:00 hours and came back to her and Eric’s bedroom.
• She felt Eric and he was cold to the touch. That is when Kouri called 911.

March 5, 2022

• 7:30 a.m. Autopsy and toxicology testing are conducted.
• Autopsy finds:
• Fentanyl level approximately five times lethal dose
• Fentanyl consistent with illicit, orally ingested drug
• Quetiapine present in gastric contents
• Medical Examiner rules death as fentanyl intoxication
• Kouri closes on the home alone.
• She invites friends over for a large gathering.
• Witnesses report she was drinking and celebrating.

March 6, 2022

• Kouri drills into Eric’s safe.
• She retrieves approximately $125,000 to $165,000 in cash.
• She has an altercation with Eric’s sister regarding estate rights.

March 9, 2022

• Kouri writes a backdated check for $1,300. to obtain additional fentanyl pills.

March 28, 2022

• Kouri filed suit against the Trust, asserting an ownership interest in the Family Home, the Business Interest, and the Personal Property.

April 13, 2022

• The Court entered an Order of Formal Probate of Will and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative

July 15, 2022

• Eric’s sister hires a private investigator to surveil Kouri.

November 15, 2022

• Alec and Taryn Wright file a lawsuit against Kouri.
• They allege she sold them a mold infested home.
• The lawsuit claims severe health issues resulted.

February 2023

• Kouri files a claim against Eric’s Trust.
• She challenges the appointment of his sister as personal representative.

March 7, 2023

• Kouri publishes a children’s book titled Are You With Me?
• The book focuses on coping with grief.

April 6, 2023

• Kouri gives an interview discussing her book and Eric’s death.
• She claims his death was unexpected.

April 14, 2023

• Summit County sheriff’s detective Jeff O’Driscoll interviews Kouri Richins in her home.

May 8, 2023

• Kouri Richins is arrested.
• She is charged with aggravated murder.
• She is also charged with three counts of possession of drugs with intent to distribute.

May 18, 2023

• Amended charges accuse Kouri Richins of fraud claiming she took out $2 million in life insurance policies against her husband without his knowledge.

June 10, 2023

• Defense attorneys argue for Kouri’s release.
• They deny the allegations and claim insufficient evidence.

June 12, 2023

• Third District Judge Richard Mrazik denies a request from Kouri Richins for bail ruling she will stay in jail as the charges move through court.

August 18, 2023

• The State of Utah announces it will not seek the death penalty.
• The aggravated murder charge is reduced to a non capital first degree felony.

September 14, 2023

• Prosecutors claim letter found in Richins’ jail cell titled ‘Walk the Dog’ outlines false testimony for her mother and brother.

September 18, 2023

• Prosecutors accuse Kouri of witness tampering.
• A letter found in her jail cell allegedly instructs her brother to testify falsely.
• The letter claims Eric purchased drugs from Mexico.

September 19, 2023

• Defense attorneys claim the letter was part of a fictional novel Kouri was writing.

October 11, 2023

• Defense files a motion to dismiss.
• The motion cites the release of the “Walk the Dog” letter as a gag order violation.

October 12, 2023

• Prosecutors request the full “Walk the Dog” document.
• They argue it is not protected by attorney client privilege.

November 3, 2023

• The judge denies Kouri’s motion to dismiss.
• The court finds the case already had extensive media coverage.
• Claims of a false narrative by the state are rejected.

Additional Charges

• Kouri faces additional charges, including.
• Attempted aggravated murder related to the Valentine’s Day incident
• Two counts of distribution of a controlled substance
• Two counts of mortgage fraud
• Two counts of insurance fraud
• Three counts of forgery

January 4, 2024

• Court documents reveal that Eric Richins’ autopsy found medications prescribed to Kouri Richins, in addition to Fentanyl.

March 25, 2024

• Richins is charged with attempting to murder her husband on Valentine’s Day weeks before his death in amended charges.

May 13, 2024

• Kouri Richins found guilty in assault case after not following plea in abeyance conditions in the agreed upon time period.

May 19, 2024

• A newly unsealed search warrant reveals Kouri Richins’ mother had a romantic partner who also died of ‘suspicious overdose’ in 2006.

May 20, 2024

• Kouri’s defense team withdraws from the case.
• Attorneys cite an irreconcilable and non waivable ethical conflict.
• The court approves the withdrawal in a private proceeding.

May 24, 2024

• Kouri makes her first public comments since her arrest.
• She asserts her innocence.
• She claims the media misrepresented the case.
• New counsel is appointed.

June 21, 2024

• Kouri, her new defense team, and prosecutors are scheduled to appear before Judge Richard Mrazik.
• The court is expected to address scheduling of a new preliminary hearing.
• Motions to disqualify prosecutors and suppress the “Walk the Dog” letter are expected to be considered.

August 27, 2024

• Richins ordered to stand trial following testimony at a preliminary hearing.

November 12, 2024

• Mrazik grants request from Kouri Richins to try mortgage fraud charges separately, denies request to reconsider bail.

Jan. 23, 2025

• Officers testify about their investigation into Eric Richins’ death as Richins’ attorneys contest which evidence can be brought into trial.

February 3, 2025

• Court wrestles with questions on the jury questionnaire, concerned about how the questions are phrased in relation to jurors recollection of media coverage.

March 17, 2025

• Richins’ attorneys request her trial be moved to Salt Lake County.

April 7, 2025

• Mrazik grants a request to delay the trial for Kouri Richins previously scheduled to begin in April 2025 after denying a request to move the trial to Salt Lake County.

June 6, 2025

• Utah Supreme Court declines to consider appeal of the decision to keep her jury trial in Salt Lake County

June 13, 2025

• New jury trial set for Kouri Richins in February and March of 2026.

June 27, 2025

• The Summit County Attorney authorizes filing of this expanded Information, including:
• Mortgage fraud
• Forgery
• Insurance fraud
• Money laundering
• Communications fraud
• Pattern of unlawful activity
• Attempted aggravated murder
• Murder for pecuniary gain

October 8, 2025

• Prosecutors remove charges for drug distribution in Kouri Richins’ case.

November 17, 2025

• Mrazik denies a request from Kouri Richins for yet another bail hearing.

January 8, 2026

• Judge Richard Mrazik makes decisions on which things to allow into the trial.

February 2, 2026

• Judge denies a second request to move the trial to Salt Lake County after finding there are enough potential jurors who returned questionnaires sent by the court.

February 10, 2026

• Jury selection begins.

February 23, 2026

• Trial for Kouri Richins scheduled to begin.

Day 1 trial timeline, Kouri Richins.

8:38 a.m.

• Prosecution and defense discuss the exclusionary rule for witnesses, meaning which witnesses can remain in the courtroom during testimony.
• Judge Richard Mrazik says the court will take a short break after opening statements to sort it out.

8:40 a.m.

• Summit County Deputy Attorney Brad Bloodworth discusses housekeeping items related to exhibits.
• State objects to two photos the defense hopes to admit.
• Judge says the photos are consistent with other defense evidence, and asks for more detail on the objection.
• Bloodworth says the photos show exotic animals Eric hunted.

8:43 a.m.

• Defense attorney Kathryn Nester argues the photos relate to the case.
• Judge Mrazik rules the photos are not prejudicial and will allow them.

8:44 a.m.

• Live update notes that Nester is the same attorney representing Tyler Robinson in the Charlie Kirk case.

8:46 a.m.

• Defense and prosecution debate whether certain witnesses can say certain statements during testimony.
• Defense attorney Wendy Lewis objects to some statements the state plans to elicit.

8:48 a.m.

• Judge says witnesses will be allowed to make the statements.
• Defense renews an objection to a final slide, court stands by its earlier denial.
• Judge asks counsel to turn on portable microphones.
• Jury will be brought in.

8:52 a.m.

• Judge instructs spectators to stand every time the jury enters or leaves.

8:54 a.m.

• Jury is sworn.
• Judge thanks jurors and gives instructions on how the trial will unfold, with more instructions expected at the end of trial.

8:55 a.m.

• Judge reads the charges:
• Count 1, aggravated murder.
• Count 2, attempted aggravated murder.
• Counts 3 and 4, insurance fraud.
• Count 5, forgery.
• Judge notes Richins has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
• Live update describes Richins in court as wearing a white blouse and black suit jacket, hair pulled back.
• Jury composition is noted as six men and six women.

8:59 a.m.

• Judge instructs jury on presumption of innocence and prosecution burden beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Judge instructs that defendant does not have to testify, call witnesses, or present evidence.

9:00 a.m.

• Judge explains the jury decides outcome, based on law and evidence.

9:02 a.m.

• Judge instructs that opening statements and closing arguments are not evidence.
• Jurors are instructed not to decide guilt or innocence until end of trial.

9:04 a.m.

• Judge instructs jurors not to talk about the case during recesses.
• Jurors instructed not to speak with attorneys and not to consume news or visit locations related to the case.

9:06 a.m.

• Judge warns jurors not to do outside research, including on phones.
• Jurors instructed not to Google the trial, counsel, or look up courtroom terms, and not to post on social media.

9:08 a.m.

• Court notes there will be no transcripts available for jurors during deliberations.
• Jurors may take notes.
• Opening statements begin, state first.

Opening statements, state (Brad Bloodworth)

9:09 a.m.

• Bloodworth begins by showing a photo of the Richins family.
• Bloodworth shows a meme on screen said to have been sent by Richins’ boyfriend saying, “Love you.”
• Bloodworth describes events of the morning Eric Richins was found, including that medics could not revive him and he was pronounced dead.
• Bloodworth says Richins pulled out her cell phone multiple times and did not call 911 immediately.

9:12 a.m.

• Bloodworth says, in substance, that two weeks before Eric died, she tried to kill him, and that two weeks before that she took out a life insurance policy.
• Defense objects.
• Judge calls attorneys for a sidebar.

9:13 a.m.

• Bloodworth says Richins submitted another fraudulent claim on Eric two weeks after his death.
• Bloodworth says the state will show evidence intended to prove she “murdered Eric for his money” and to support a “facade” of privilege and success.

9:14 a.m.

• Bloodworth says Richins owed more than $4.5 million to over 20 lenders on the day Eric died.
• Bloodworth says she overdrew about 200 transactions totaling over $300,000 in the five months leading to his death.
• Bloodworth says she was scheduled to close on an unfinished Midway mansion the day Eric died, taking on an additional $3.2 million in debt.
• Bloodworth describes the mansion as “a facade.”

9:16 a.m.

• Bloodworth says Eric’s inheritance was worth over $4 million.
• Bloodworth references the prenuptial agreement, saying it would prevent her from receiving the money in divorce, but not if he died while they were married.
• Bloodworth describes alleged relationship issues and references messages to boyfriend Josh Grossman and a planned trip.

9:20 a.m.

• Bloodworth continues referencing messages to Josh Grossman about the relationship after Eric’s death.

9:22 a.m.

• Bloodworth discusses Carmen Lauber, described as the house cleaner.
• Bloodworth says Kouri knew Lauber could get drugs.
• Bloodworth says three days before Eric’s death, Lauber got pills for Kouri.
• Bloodworth describes Valentine’s Day events, including a sandwich purchase and Eric’s phone activity stopping for about 90 minutes.
• Bloodworth says later pills obtained from the same dealer contained fentanyl.
• Bloodworth says the autopsy showed fentanyl poisoning, described as seven times the lethal amount in blood, with more in stomach.
• Bloodworth characterizes it as intentional, not accidental.

9:26 a.m.

• Bloodworth references a June 18, 2022 text about Valentine’s Day and epi pen.
• Bloodworth references a notebook entry about entering the room at 3:20 a.m.
• Bloodworth alleges phone activity at 3:06 a.m. and a delay of at least 15 minutes before calling 911.

9:28 a.m.

• Bloodworth references a post-death trip with boyfriend and alleged questions about killing.
• Bloodworth references searches on Kouri’s phone about deleted iPhone messages and wiping or deleting information.

9:30 a.m.

• Bloodworth references Richins writing a children’s book about dealing with death after police were investigating her.
• Bloodworth says state will prove means, motive, and opportunity, and asks jurors to consider evidence that no one else did it.

9:33 a.m.

• Bloodworth highlights judge’s instructions, including staying focused on evidence and note-taking.
• Bloodworth says in closing the state will apply evidence to elements and ask jurors to find her guilty.

9:35 a.m.

• Bloodworth describes events back to March 4, 2022, including Eric being placed in a body bag and wheeled out.
• Bloodworth says Kouri had not yet told the boys Eric was dead and would not for a few hours.
• Bloodworth says three images were accessed on Kouri’s phone and describes them as memes, including one implying “I’m rich.”
• State concludes opening statement.

Opening statements, defense (Kathryn Nester)

9:37 a.m.

• Nester begins defense opening by playing Kouri’s 911 call.
• Nester frames the call as the moment of becoming a widow.
• Nester introduces the defense narrative that about six and a half hours earlier they were celebrating, connected to the Midway Mansion deal.

9:40 a.m.

• Nester describes the Midway property and the plan to flip it, claiming at least $2 million profit for Kouri and investors.
• Nester says Eric was part of it and had visited the property.
• Nester describes Eric’s income and lifestyle, and details about shared ownership and recreation.

9:42 a.m.

• Nester says the marriage had rough times and counseling, but they decided to continue.
• Nester references texts on March 3 about celebratory shots and shows texts on screen.

9:44 a.m.

• Nester describes celebratory drinks around 9 p.m., Moscow mules not finished.
• Nester says Kouri slept next to a son with a nightmare around 9:30 p.m.
• Nester says Kouri told officers Eric used marijuana gummies and shows a photo of gummy packaging.
• Nester references a 10 p.m. call between Eric and friend Scott Wagner, describing him as sounding normal.
• Nester references phone unlock and movement around 10:30 p.m., and says Eric checked Kouri’s phone.

9:48 a.m.

• Nester describes the scene, including Apple Watch “nice and neat,” phone on charger, and Eric in underwear.
• Nester references an expired 2016 pill bottle in the nightstand and says it will be important later.
• Nester describes post-3 a.m. phone activity, then the 911 call shortly after.
• Nester suggests that sequence gave time for Kouri to get into bed and touch Eric.

9:51 a.m.

• Nester says the medical examiner will testify Eric had been dead for several hours.
• Nester says somewhere between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Eric died and ingested a fatal dose of fentanyl.
• Nester says there is “zero evidence” of how fentanyl got into him.
• Nester says death certificate manner is unknown.

9:52 a.m.

• Nester says no fentanyl was found in the bedroom and claims police did not search for it.
• Nester says many people were in the home, and raises issues about cups being taken or tested.
• Nester says police interviewed Kouri repeatedly that day and claims Kouri’s story never changed.

9:55 a.m.

• Nester says Kouri repeatedly told police she did not know what happened.
• Nester says Eric’s family needed someone to blame and went beyond normal grieving.
• Nester argues that behind closed doors someone could be using drugs.

9:57 a.m.

• Nester says the family hired a private investigator for $100,000 to dig up information to implicate Kouri.
• Nester says Kouri is flawed, like everyone is.

9:59 a.m.

• Nester says prosecution will “assassinate” Kouri’s character, and says no marriage is perfect.

10:00 a.m.

• Nester references an alleged allergic reaction on Valentine’s Day and use of an EpiPen.
• Nester argues state theory would require belief she secretly put narcotics in food before he drove kids to soccer.

10:02 a.m.

• Nester says the PI took Eric’s computer after he died.
• Nester says family hired experts who will testify, and suggests family had constant communication with prosecutor.
• Nester says no witness can account for “those six hours.”

10:04 a.m.

• Nester describes Eric’s work-related pain and Lyme disease.
• Nester says Eric needed gummies and makes claims about smuggling gummies outside the U.S.

10:06 a.m.

• Nester says Eric asked Kouri to buy him pain pills.
• Prosecutor asks to approach, attorneys go to the bench.

10:08 a.m.

• Sidebar ends.
• Nester apologizes and says bench conferences will happen often.
• Nester discusses oxycodone dosing, special prescriptions, and street availability.
• Nester claims the dealer only sold oxycodone, not fentanyl, in 2022.

10:10 a.m.

• Nester says Carmen Lauber did not mention fentanyl in her original story, then changed testimony after police pressure related to drugs and guns.
• Nester claims Lauber changed story when offered a “free ticket” if she said Kouri said fentanyl.

10:13 a.m.

• Nester discusses life insurance and says wives sign husbands’ names often.

10:14 a.m.

• Nester says many facts will be agreed on, but meaning will be disputed.
• Nester emphasizes prosecution burden beyond reasonable doubt and presumption of innocence.

10:17 a.m.

• Nester asks jurors to be courageous, hold government to its burden.
• Nester asks for not guilty verdicts on all counts.
• Defense opening concludes.

Morning recess and jury oath issue

10:19 a.m.

• Judge sends jury out for morning recess.
• Prosecution seeks clarification related to exclusionary rule.
• Nester identifies two family members, DJ and Ronnie, who cannot stay for trial, judge orders them not to be exposed to testimony in any way.
• Other family members can return.

10:21 a.m.

• Issue raised about an error in the oath the judge read to the jury.
• Plan is to re-swear jurors after the break.
• Court in recess until 10:35 a.m.

First witnesses, state case begins

10:39 a.m.

• Court back in session.
• Judge will swear jurors in again with correct wording.
• State calls first witness.

10:41 a.m.

• Jury is back, judge reads correct swearing-in verbiage.
• First witness: Eugene Richins, Eric’s father.

10:44 a.m.

• Bloodworth shows photo of Eric Richins.
• Eugene says Eric was 39 when he died.
• Eugene gives family background and priorities, including education, work ethic, and religion.
• Live update notes Eric’s mother’s name as Linda Carter Richins.

10:46 a.m.

• Eugene describes Eric’s personality and their relationship as adults, including frequent contact.

10:47 a.m.

• Eugene describes Eric’s relationship with his sons and time at the ranch.
• Eugene says Kouri called him on March 4, 2022 and told him Eric was not breathing.

10:50 a.m.

• Eugene says he rushed to the house around 4:00 to 4:30 a.m.
• Katie, Kouri, first responders, Kouri’s mom, and children were present.
• Eugene stayed until about 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
• Eugene does not recall Kouri saying much to him.

10:52 a.m.

• Eugene testifies that after the funeral but before the medical examiner ruling, Kouri called and said she spoke to the medical examiner.
• Eugene says Kouri claimed Eric died of the same thing his mother died of and COVID.
• Eugene says Katie called the medical examiner and was told Kouri never called and results had not been released.
• Defense objects, judge allows statement for a limited purpose, not for truth.

10:54 a.m.

• Eugene testifies about his wife’s lung fungus death and says Eric did not have those symptoms.
• Bloodworth provides an exhibit with handwriting samples.

10:56 a.m.

• State has no further questions.
• Defense expresses sympathy and asks no questions.
• Eugene is dismissed.
• Next witness is Katie Richins-Benson.

Katie Richins-Benson, direct examination

10:58 a.m.

• Katie is sworn.
• She testifies she is Eric’s sister, two years apart, describes closeness and shared activities.

11:00 a.m.

• Katie testifies about Eric’s personality, begins crying, describes him as likable and generous.
• She describes him as devoted father.

11:02 a.m.

• Katie describes Eric’s relationship with his kids and plans for their future.

11:04 a.m.

• Katie testifies about Eric calling her when something was wrong.
• She says the only thing she ever saw him use was Advil.
• She says their mother was a drug and alcohol counselor and ingrained drug and alcohol dangers.

11:06 a.m.

• Katie testifies she previously owned the home Eric and Kouri lived in and sold it to Eric in 2012.
• State admits a photo of the home into evidence.

11:08 a.m.

• State admits the premarital agreement.
• Katie testifies about the morning Eric died, describing a call from her father, and their family rushing to Eric’s house.

11:12 a.m.

• Katie testifies about arriving to police and emergency responders at the scene.
• She describes moving the children to a toy room and keeping them away from first responders.
• She describes seeing Kouri shaking her head “no,” and her impression that Eric was gone.
• Katie describes Kouri as well put together, matching pajamas, hair done, not crying like Katie.

11:15 a.m.

• Katie testifies she repeatedly asked when they would tell the boys Eric died.
• She describes the body being wheeled out, efforts to block boys, and the boys seeing it.
• Katie says after that, Kouri and her mom said they should tell the boys, and the boys were brought in.

11:17 a.m.

• Katie testifies about telling the kids that their dad was gone.
• She describes one son being extremely upset and Katie urging Kouri to console him.
• Katie describes Kouri eventually going in and consoling him.

11:20 a.m.

• Katie testifies about a conversation involving Breanne Sorensen and the Midway mansion closing.
• Defense objects, judge sustains.
• Bloodworth asks about Kouri’s reaction, Katie describes Kouri as business-like.

11:22 a.m.

• Katie testifies about the Apple Watch, saying Kouri deleted everything and gave it to a son.
• Katie says Kouri said she would sell the house.
• Katie testifies the house was in a trust, Eric was trustee, and Katie became trustee after his death.

11:24 a.m.

• Katie describes information relayed about Kouri’s plan to run Eric’s business using TJ, an associate.
• Katie testifies a family meeting was held March 5, the day after Eric died.
• Katie testifies Eric wanted to be buried, not cremated.
• Katie describes a discussion where Kouri’s mom raised cremation, and Kouri referenced not wanting bugs crawling on him, causing upset.

11:28 a.m.

• Bloodworth gives Katie a binder of handwriting samples, Katie reviews it.

11:29 a.m.

• Katie explains different receipts, tax documents, and handwriting samples in the binder.

11:33 a.m.

• Bloodworth finishes direct.
• Defense indicates cross will be lengthy.
• Attorneys approach bench.

Midday procedural dispute about witness lists and scope

11:35 a.m.

• Judge dismisses jury to discuss lunch hour plan and witness issues.
• Judge discusses witnesses appearing on both defense and prosecution lists.
• Katie is asked to step outside during the discussion.
• Defense argues recalling witnesses later could extend trial, asks for expanded cross scope.

11:39 a.m.

• Prosecution argues for presenting case in narrative order, and limiting cross to scope of direct.
• Judge says witness order and recall will be handled witness by witness.

11:41 a.m.

• Defense argues Katie cannot stay in courtroom unless cross can be completed now.
• State says Katie and Amy are family representatives.
• Judge says only one family representative, and lays out options tied to whether defense can cross now.

11:43 a.m.

• Judge rules Katie will return to stand, and defense questions must stay within scope of direct.
• Prosecution will speak with family at lunch.
• Defense asks about ability to question about trust and whether door was opened.

Katie Richins-Benson, cross examination begins, trust document

11:46 a.m.

• Judge notes he is using first names because there are many Richins involved.

11:49 a.m.

• Jury returns.
• Katie back on stand.
• Defense begins cross.
• Defense introduces document related to trust.

11:51 a.m.

• Document identified as Eric Richins’ living trust.
• Defense moves to admit it.

11:53 a.m.

• Trust document displayed.
• Katie testifies she is trustee, trust holds Eric’s assets.
• Katie testifies she has never taken payment, though the trust allowed compensation.
• Katie testifies Kouri was a beneficiary, and so were the boys.
• Katie references litigation beginning about three weeks after Eric died.

11:57 a.m.

• Defense asks how much Kouri asked for from the trust in the year after, prosecution objects, sustained.

11:59 a.m.

• Defense asks if the trust paid for a private investigator, prosecution objects, judge sustains as outside scope.
• Defense asks to approach bench.

Exhibit handling and lunch

12:02 p.m.

• Defense continues, asks about Eric’s death morning and Kouri’s pajamas and hair.
• Defense asks to play a clip for witness and counsel, prosecution asks to approach.

12:08 p.m.

• Judge wants children’s faces blurred before exhibit shown.
• Court staff working on tech issues.

12:09 p.m.

• Lunch recess until 12:40 p.m.

Afternoon hearing about family representative status, then video

12:49 p.m.

• Back from lunch.
• Prosecution says they did not know defense planned to call Katie as witness.
• State called her early so she could remain in courtroom.
• Prosecution seeks to designate Katie as family representative.
• Defense objects on Sixth Amendment grounds and cross implications.
• Judge says law allows more than one representative, and defense can cross.

12:53 p.m.

• Judge allows Katie Richins-Benson to be family victim representative so she can stay in courtroom.
• Judge notes defense did not list her as a witness and she likely already knows evidence, judge finds no prejudice.

12:57 p.m.

• Jury back, defense resumes.
• Defense offers police body camera footage, clip shown where Kouri bends down to hug Katie.

12:59 p.m.

• Defense challenges Katie’s memory about Kouri’s appearance, Katie notes it was four years ago.
• Defense asks about what Katie told an officer outside the home that morning, and references financial issues.
• Judge calls a sidebar.

1:05 p.m.

• Sidebar ends.
• Katie testifies she told the officer about financial issues because she had an overwhelming feeling she should.
• Katie denies saying she believed Kouri was involved, as framed in questioning.

1:07 p.m.

• Defense asks about Apple Watch, and whether not swiping it would allow access to everything.
• Katie is unsure.
• Defense explores reasons a widow might not want to live in the home where husband died.

1:09 p.m.

• Defense asks about substances, Katie testifies she later became aware Eric used THC occasionally.
• Defense asks about family attitudes, alcohol use, sex life, and testosterone, Katie acknowledges some.

1:12 p.m.

• Defense asks if Katie was allowed in house after body removed, she says yes.
• Katie testifies she saw police searching garbage, did not hear police interviewing Kouri.
• Katie testifies Eric used hydrocodone at times, including from a 2016 procedure.

1:15 p.m.

• Defense asks about prenuptial agreement and business, and questions about the truck after death.
• Katie testifies she went to Eric’s truck with Kouri’s mom.

1:18 p.m.

• Defense asks about autopsy conversation, Katie says it occurred day after Eric was removed.
• Katie is unsure of exact timeline and location details.

1:21 p.m.

• Defense asks about handwriting samples and experts for civil lawsuit.
• Katie says samples were gathered for civil lawsuit.
• Katie says she did not send them to prosecutor, hired an expert paid by law firm.

1:23 p.m.

• Defense asks about financial accountant Brooke Harrington.
• Katie testifies Harrington was hired by estate and paid $14,625.
• Invoice dated June 21, 2023 admitted.

1:26 p.m.

• Katie testifies Brooke left for a new job after Kouri was charged.
• Katie testifies she did not speak to actual prosecutors before Kouri was charged, clarifies difference between prosecutors and investigators.

1:30 p.m.

• Defense gives Katie a timeline document to review.
• Katie testifies she sent it to investigators because Eric’s death was suspicious.

1:32 p.m.

• Defense asks about investigation into Kouri’s businesses, Katie says she did not personally investigate but forwarded information.
• Katie references forwarding a message about Kouri wanting her wedding ring back.

1:33 p.m.

• Defense asks about obtaining bank records, Katie says she only obtained records through civil litigation.

1:38 p.m.

• Defense asks about communication with investigators, Katie says she spoke with them after Eric died.

1:40 p.m.

• Defense asks about house maintenance after Eric died and law enforcement access.
• Katie testifies she paid for snow removal and repairs in January and February because home became trust property.
• Katie says private investigator did not have unfettered access.
• Katie says cameras were installed.

1:43 p.m.

• Defense asks about private investigator timing, within a couple weeks of Eric’s death.
• Defense asks about celebration of life April 1, Katie is unaware.
• Defense ends cross.
• State begins redirect.

Redirect and further trust and financial testimony

1:46 p.m.

• Redirect covers civil lawsuit filed by Kouri against Katie as trustee.
• Live update notes Kouri was arrested May 8, 2023.
• Katie testifies about alleged forged signature on a $250,000 home equity loan, and credit cards in Eric’s name.
• Objections and bench conference occur.

1:51 p.m.

• Sidebar ends.
• Katie testifies she provided information about friends for detectives to interview.
• Katie testifies she provided information about trust and control of the house to police.

1:53 p.m.

• State asks additional questions about what Katie told police on March 21, and what a HELOC is.
• Katie testifies Kouri got a HELOC without telling Eric.
• Katie is uncertain about trustee power of attorney questions.

1:57 p.m.

• State asks about revocation of power of attorney and withdrawals.
• Katie testifies Eric never signed the original POA that gave Kouri authority, and says Eric did not know she used it to withdraw money.

Witness transition

2:00 p.m.

• State asks about divorce attorney setup, Katie says her husband set it up, counsel approaches.
• Katie is released as witness and may remain in courtroom.
• Next witness is Clint Benson.

Clint Benson, direct examination

2:05 p.m.

• Clint Benson identified as married to Katie.
• He is Salt Lake County real estate assets manager and a realtor.
• Benson testifies about changing locks after May 8, installing cameras, and security measures.
• Benson testifies about taping doors to detect entry and motion notifications.
• Benson testifies cameras captured entry and law enforcement responded quickly.
• Benson testifies he would meet the boys if they needed to retrieve items.
• Benson testifies he controlled access for defense attorneys or investigators.
• Benson testifies Eric went on a mission, and he does not recall seeing a missionary journal.
• Benson testifies about a November 2020 call where he checked recorder website and discovered a $250,000 HELOC against the house, and told Eric.
• Benson testifies about discussions of divorce attorneys and his role as intermediary between Eric and attorney Christina Miller.
• Prosecutor provides handwriting samples.
• Benson testifies about March 4 morning, including that Katie received call Eric was not breathing.
• Family rushed to house.
• Benson testifies he went into home, focused on children, and noticed unusual hand movements from Kouri.
• Benson testifies children were upstairs in bonus room about four hours.
• Benson testifies daughter vomited.
• Two of Eric’s sons saw their dad being wheeled out, covered with a sheet.

2:22 p.m.

• State concludes direct.
• Defense cross begins, Wendy Lewis.

Clint Benson, cross examination

2:25 p.m.

• Lewis questions Benson about home ownership history and divorce attorney communications.
• Benson testifies Eric did not want Kouri to know he was considering divorce, and believed Kouri watched his emails.
• Benson testifies correspondence with the attorney went through him.
• Benson testifies he served as intermediary, and it is possible Eric also emailed documents without his knowledge.
• Benson testifies he and his wife were supportive of Eric regardless of divorce decision.
• Benson testifies locks were changed quickly and cameras installed.
• Lewis asks about law enforcement searches from 2023 to present, Benson says about ten times seems reasonable.
• Benson says law enforcement searched the home two weeks before this day.
• Lewis asks whether police removed items every time, Benson says she would need to check records.
• Lewis asks about people entering the home.
• Benson says items removed were children’s belongings, retrieved by him.
• Lewis questions private investigator Gabler, payment source, and amount.
• Benson testifies PI was paid $100,000 from the trust for the boys.
• Lewis asks whether PI supplied evidence to investigators and whether Benson received correspondence intended for investigators.
• Bench conference requested.

2:42 p.m.

• Sidebar ends.
• Lewis shows an email, asks about date, and asks about PI sending information to Summit County detectives about possible involvement.
• Benson confirms he was included.
• Afternoon recess follows.

Clint Benson, cross resumes after break

3:00 p.m.

• Back from break.
• Benson testifies PI was allowed in home multiple times and Benson says he was with him each time.
• Lewis asks if PI moved things, Benson says he did and Benson was present.
• Benson testifies PI documents everything and would document moved items.
• Benson is unsure if PI video recorded.
• Benson testifies cameras in the home recorded activity, and he says video overwrites every 60 days.
• Benson says if subpoenaed they would provide recordings.
• Lewis asks if PI took anything out of home, Benson believes PI took documents but is not sure.
• Benson says he was typically with PI at all times.
• Benson says PI was not helping prosecution, he was doing his own investigation.
• Lewis asks who has been in and out of home in last 60 days.
• Benson says he has, defense private detective, and sheriff’s deputies.
• Lewis asks about morning Eric died and what was visible to kids as body was wheeled out.
• Benson says Eric was covered with a sheet.
• Lewis asks if Benson had seen Kouri grieve immediately after losing someone close, Benson says he had not.

3:13 p.m.

• Defense ends.
• State follow-up: asks whether PI would immediately call sheriff’s office if he found something of interest, Benson says yes.
• State ends.
• Lewis asks one follow-up about PI calling sheriff to get a warrant, Benson says he believes that is true.
• Benson excused.

Patrol Deputy Vincent Nguyen, direct, body camera, cross begins

3:17 p.m.

• Next witness: Patrol Deputy Vincent Nguyen, Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
• Nguyen describes body camera function and activation.
• Nguyen testifies he was working night of March 4.
• Prosecutor displays Richins home, Nguyen arrived around 3:40 a.m.
• Nguyen testifies a sergeant, another deputy, and fire personnel were present, and Kouri and kids were there.

3:20 p.m.

• Prosecutor moves to admit body camera transcript, judge allows.
• Prosecutor moves to admit body camera footage, there is a blurred spot.
• Footage begins playing.

3:25 p.m.

• Body camera audio includes a question to Kouri about what medicine Eric takes, Kouri says she does not know.
• Blurred portion shows Eric on bedroom floor while paramedics work.
• Deputy speaks with Kouri, she says they were fine.
• Kouri says they had a celebratory drink at 9, went to bed at 9:30.
• Kouri describes putting kids down, then going to bed, Eric on his back.
• Deputy asks where kids are, Kouri says one asleep and others at the door.
• Kouri asks to call her mom, calls from deputy phone, asks Lisa to come because Eric is not breathing.
• Deputy asks about medical problems, Kouri says Lyme disease and an allergy shot the prior day.
• Deputy asks what time she discovered him, she says around 3.
• Deputy asks if she immediately called 911, Kouri describes turning him, he was cold, she put a blanket on him.
• Kouri says he felt “so heavy.”
• Kouri says they just got over COVID.
• Kouri says Eric sometimes takes a THC gummy before bed.
• Deputy asks about Eric’s doctor, Kouri says physical six months ago.
• Deputy notes family members coming, and two kids awake at the door.
• Kouri is on phone crying, Nguyen relays information to another deputy.
• Judge pauses video due to tech or audio issue, audio described as very low.
• Investigators discuss a 2016 oxycodone bottle found in bedroom.
• Eric pronounced dead, paramedic notes he was young.
• Nguyen returns to living room, asks about military and tobacco, Kouri says no.
• Nguyen asks if Eric was on bed when discovered, Kouri says yes.
• Kouri says she thought he was cold because it was cold in there.
• Kouri says, “My spouse is active. He didn’t just die in his sleep. This is insane.”
• Kouri says he was not suicidal and had not been seen by a doctor within last 30 days.
• Kouri’s mother arrives.
• Lisa tells deputy she did not know number when Kouri called from deputy’s phone.
• Lisa tells deputy Eric had allergy shots yesterday.
• Kouri paces.
• Katie arrives, screams asking what happened and where her brother is.
• Deputies ask Kouri to move boys upstairs.
• Katie says she is Eric’s power of attorney.
• Katie collapses to floor while breathing deeply.
• Kouri hugs her, Katie says she has to breathe.
• Kouri says Eric’s body was cold.
• Katie says, “I lost my brother,” and speaks about getting through it for the boys.
• Nguyen says detective and medical examiner are on the way.
• Video shows Katie and Kouri talking and crying.
• Kouri says Eric was cold, “He was just so cold.”
• Nguyen asks if any animals sleep with Eric.
• Kouri says he sleeps with a dog, but the dog was not in there.
• Kouri asks about calling Eric’s dad, Katie says she will do it and sister is almost there.
• Nguyen tells Katie family cannot cross the bedroom threshold while investigators are in there.

4:01 p.m.

• Body camera video ends.
• Courtroom camera shows Kouri watching screen with little reaction described.
• Prosecutor moves to admit still shots from body camera and a police voluntary statement from Kouri.

4:04 p.m.

• Nguyen testifies he was responsible for crime scene log and death checklist.
• Nguyen testifies he was looking for anything that might explain Eric’s death.
• Prosecutor asks about Kouri volunteering information about THC gummies.
• Nguyen testifies he did not see THC gummies, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia in the home.
• State rests with this witness for now, defense begins cross with Alex Ramos.
• Ramos questions Nguyen about arrival and whether he turned off body camera at one point.
• Nguyen does not recall.
• Ramos asks if report would reflect turning it off, Nguyen says yes.
• Ramos asks if Nguyen was present when Eric’s body was removed, Nguyen says no.
• Ramos asks when Nguyen left, Nguyen says report lacks exact time, he left after other deputies arrived.
• Ramos questions Watchguard body camera system and uploading process.
• Nguyen testifies uploads occurred at office via secure wifi, and system has since changed.
• Nguyen testifies video would upload once he parked at sheriff’s office.
• Nguyen testifies he went only to living room.
• Nguyen testifies he has worked with one of the EMS paramedics previously.
• Ramos questions Nguyen’s process for gathering information and documenting scene.
• Ramos asks if Nguyen went to kitchen or looked in scene, Nguyen says no.
• Ramos asks if Nguyen told another investigator to check kitchen or sink, Nguyen says no.
• Ramos asks about hydrocodone bottle photo or evidence collection, Nguyen says he did not, and does not recall if anyone did.
• Ramos asks about celebratory drink and whether Nguyen knew Kouri’s mom was there, Nguyen says he did not know.
• Ramos asks if Nguyen searched for gummies, Nguyen says no, that was another deputy’s responsibility.
• Ramos asks about traumatic scenes and secondary trauma, Nguyen agrees.
• Ramos says to give everyone some grace.
• Ramos asks how Nguyen learned about gummies, Nguyen says from Kouri.
• Ramos asks if Nguyen asked Kouri where gummies were, Nguyen says he did not.
• Ramos asks about temperature in home, Nguyen says 71 degrees.
• Ramos focuses on timing and says he may need to return to this witness tomorrow.
• Ramos stresses importance of documenting times.
• Ramos asks about when Kouri went to bed.
• Ramos asks if defense can rest and continue tomorrow.
• Judge calls attorneys to the bench, live update notes judge appears annoyed.

End of day, scheduling and issues for next morning

4:45 p.m.

• Judge dismisses jurors and instructs them not to watch or listen to anything about the case.
• Nguyen expected to be back on the stand in the morning.
• Defense and prosecution discuss chain of custody over evidence, to be addressed first thing in the morning.
• Expected witnesses for tomorrow: Deputy Nguyen, the paramedic on scene, two other first responders, and Ms. Gibson.

——————————————————————————-

Day 2 Timeline

Kouri Richins Trial, Day 2 Timeline (Summit County, Utah)

8:27 a.m.

• Court is on the record.
• Jury is not in the room yet.
• Members of the media are seated and the public is being escorted in.
• Judge Richard Mrazik asks defense attorney Kathryn Nester about chain of custody issues with a phone.
• Nester says they need the person who took the phone and the person who did the extraction on the phone.

8:31 a.m.

• Parties agree the chain of custody issue may not actually be an issue.
• Judge invites the jury in.
• Judge asks for Summit County Deputy Vincent Nguyen to be brought in.
• Nguyen will continue to be cross-examined by defense attorney Alex Ramos.

8:34 a.m.

• Court experiences tech issues.
• Judge apologizes and says it will take five minutes to get things sorted out.

8:40 a.m.

• Jury is in the courtroom.

8:42 a.m.

• Nguyen is back on the stand.
• Ramos says he has six Post-it notes of things he wants to talk to the deputy.
• Ramos gives Nguyen papers and asks if the deputy recognizes them.

8:43 a.m.

• Ramos asks how long Nguyen was at the home along with Det. Woody.
• Nguyen says he arrived at 3:40 a.m. and left for the station around 5:49 a.m. based on the dispatch log.
• Another record says he left at 5:41 a.m.
• Ramos points out an eight-minute discrepancy.
• Ramos says Nguyen and Woody were at the crime scene together for approximately 24 minutes.
• Nguyen says it could be 24 minutes or more or less because it depends on who is recording the times on the crime scene log.
• Ramos asks Nguyen what he told another deputy about what Kouri told him the morning Eric died.
• Prosecution asks to approach the bench.
• Ramos asks about Kouri saying she got into bed and did not feel Eric breathing.
• Ramos says that information was not given to Dep. deBotelho.
• Nguyen says that is correct.
• Ramos asks if Kouri was emotional and upset.
• Nguyen says she was.
• Nguyen agrees that is not unexpected.
• Ramos asks about Kouri’s voluntary statement.
• Ramos asks if there are different purposes for voluntary statements.
• Nguyen says yes.
• Ramos asks why Nguyen was the initial officer even though he was the third one to arrive.
• Nguyen says it is because it was his zone.
• Ramos gives Nguyen a paper and says he wants to discuss six things.
• Ramos asks what needs to be done in a death investigation.
• Nguyen reads that the family needs to vacate the scene to a comfortable location outside or another location.
• Ramos says that was not done here.
• Nguyen says correct.
• Ramos asks when a scene should be photographed.
• Nguyen reads “after it is secure.”
• Ramos asks about the first photo.
• Nguyen says a placard with case information should be placed.
• Ramos asks if Nguyen did that.
• Nguyen says he did not.
• Ramos asks about “do not disturb the scene.”
• Nguyen agrees it is important.
• Ramos says the scene was not secure.
• Nguyen says it was semi-secured.
• Ramos asks to find “semi-secured” in the document.
• It is not on the document.
• Ramos apologizes for putting Nguyen on the spot and thanks him.
• Ramos finishes.
• Prosecutor will now re-direct.
• Prosecutor asks Nguyen how many death scenes he has been to.
• Nguyen says more than 30.
• Prosecutor asks if Kouri’s reaction was similar to other death scenes.
• Nguyen says no.
• Nguyen says Kouri’s face was in her hands when he spoke with her and he could not see her face.
• Nguyen says he leaned down to look at her emotions and it seemed abnormal.
• No further questions.
• Ramos has follow-up questions.
• Ramos stresses Nguyen had never met Kouri and does not know what she was feeling that morning.
• Nguyen agrees.
• Questioning is done.

9:15 a.m.

Next witness is Cameron Larson.

• Larson is an evidence technician who worked with the medical examiner.
• Larson responded to the scene the morning Eric died.
• Eric had an AED on his chest.
• Larson worked with Chelsea Gibson and Detective Woody from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
• Larson says she was asked to look for any sign of alcohol in the home.
• Larson looked in three garbage cans throughout the home.
• Larson did not look in drawers or cupboards.
• Larson does not recall seeing anything in the master bedroom or bathroom garbage cans.
• In the kitchen trash, Larson saw coffee grounds, a newspaper, and a ginger beer bottle.
• Larson is asked if she looked for evidence out in the open around the home.
• Larson says she did not.
• Larson does not remember taking medication bottles.
• Prosecutor asks to admit photos of Eric Richins’ driver’s license.
• Larson says the driver’s license photo matched the deceased.
• Larson explains that a tag goes through two zippers on the body bag so it cannot be tampered with.
• Each body bag has a unique number.
• Photo of the tag used on the body bag is shown.
• Medication with Eric’s name and his driver’s license was included with the body bag.
• Photo of the body bag at the medical examiner’s office is shown.
• Larson points out how the zippers were attached with the sealed tag.
• Prosecution has no further questions.

9:32 a.m.

• Defense attorney Alex Ramos begins questioning.
• Ramos says this was the first crime scene Larson showed up to.
• Ramos asks about the role of an OME investigator.
• Ramos asks about Larson looking in trash cans and whether it was odd.
• Larson says it did not seem odd at the time.
• Larson says the sheriff’s office asked her to return about a year ago to discuss what was in the garbage.
• Larson says she spoke with Kouri in a bedroom that morning.
• Larson says Kouri was crying with her hands on her face.
• Larson provided contact information for who Kouri should contact.
• Ramos shows Larson the report she wrote at the scene.
• Ramos asks where the information came from.
• Larson says it came from other investigators.
• Prosecution objects and the judge calls for a sidebar.
• Ramos finishes.

9:44 a.m.

• Prosecutor asks follow-up questions, including whether there is an inventory sheet included with the body.
• Larson says there is an electronic list that the medical examiner can view.
• Prosecutor asks about Larson’s meeting with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and who was there.
• Nothing further from prosecution.

9:49 a.m.

• Morning recess until 10:00 a.m.

10:04 a.m.

Next witness is Summit County Sheriff’s Office Deputy David Pimentel.

• Prosecutor asks about the chain of command in the sheriff’s office.
• Pimentel went to the Richins home on March 4.
• He was assigned scene security and asked to start a medication log.
• He searched in the bathroom where Kouri said medications might be.
• He was aware that Eric may have taken THC gummies.
• He did not find THC gummies anywhere.
• Defense attorney Wendy Lewis questions Pimentel.
• Pimentel says he searched for medications in the bathroom.
• Lewis shows a list of medications taken from the home.
• Pimentel wrote three medications that were found in the master bathroom.
• Pimentel says Kouri told him that Eric took THC gummies.
• Lewis asks why he did not ask where the gummies were.
• Pimentel says he collects prescription medications.
• Pimentel recalls someone mentioned there was a pill bottle organizer in a bathroom drawer.
• Pimentel says he left at 5:00 a.m.
• He did not write a report that night.
• He wrote a report in January 2023 after being asked.
• The report said he left the medication log on the dresser at the home.
• Pimentel says his supervisor told him to write it.
• Pimentel says he did not look in the kitchen or bedroom drawers for medications.
• He asked Kouri where medicine was located, but did not ask where the THC was.
• Pimentel stayed by the door where Eric’s body was found to provide scene security.
• Prosecutor asks if Pimentel was wearing a body camera the morning of March 4.
• Pimentel says he was.
• Pimentel says he consulted with his body camera in preparing the report he made in 2023.
• Prosecutor asks to admit body camera footage.
• Body camera footage is shown.
• Pimentel is seen in the bathroom looking for medication prescribed for Eric Richins.
• Pimentel is seen filling out a medicine log on the counter.
• Pimentel does not conduct a full search because he does not have probable cause or a warrant to search the home.
• No gummies are seen in the bathroom.
• Prosecution is done.

10:28 a.m.

• Lewis admits a photo of Eric’s hydrocodone bottle.
• Lewis asks about searching the bathroom and whether Pimentel took photos.
• Lewis asks who came in and out of the bedroom while he was securing it.
• Pimentel says a few deputies and some medical personnel.

10:31 a.m.

Next witness is Park City Advanced EMT Margaret Offret.

• Offret has been called out to over 100 death scenes.
• Offret has responded to 20 to 30 drug overdoses over the years.
• Offret responded to the Richins home on March 4.
• Eric was lying flat on the floor.
• Prosecutor asks if anything stood out about Eric’s position.
• Offret says Eric was at the foot of the bed rather than the side of the bed.
• Offret says Eric was very straight, not angled.
• EMTs performed life-saving measures on Eric.
• They started a machine that does compressions while EMTs gave medications.
• They gave Eric epinephrine.
• Offret asked Kouri if Eric was taking any medications.
• Kouri said he was taking a medicine for Lyme disease.
• Kouri also said he took CBD gummies.
• Time of death was called for Eric Richins at 3:58 a.m.
• Prosecution has no further questions.

10:42 a.m.

Defense questions Offret.

• Lewis asks if a prior EMT could have arranged the body.
• Offret says she does not know.
• Offret says the call was originally for cardiac arrest.
• Offret says the first thing she did was set up the heart monitor and start the compression machine.
• Offret says Eric’s heart was in a flatline and there was no electrical activity.
• Offret says Eric was not breathing.
• Lewis asks about Narcan.
• Offret says it was administered as a last effort.
• Offret says they were not able to determine why Eric was in cardiac arrest at that time.
• Offret says when she left the room, she knew Eric was dead.
• Offret told a deputy she thought it could possibly be an aneurysm.
• Offret says Eric’s blood sugar was high.
• Offret says she told Kouri that Eric was deceased.
• Offret says it is very difficult to tell someone their loved one has died.
• Offret says she has seen a variety of reactions.
• Offret is asked if it is unusual to see blood come out of someone’s mouth during CPR.
• Offret says not normally, but it seemed like more blood than normal.
• Prosecutor asks why she guessed an aneurysm.
• Offret says because there was a lot of blood coming out of his mouth.
• Offret is asked about the pressure of the compression machine and whether blood in the lungs could come out through the mouth.
• Offret says that is correct.
• Nothing further.

10:55 a.m.

Next witness is Sgt. Andrew Crnich.

• Crnich works with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and is also a volunteer firefighter.
• He was working March 4 as an on-call firefighter to assist medical.
• Crnich responded to the Richins home.
• EMS had already arrived.
• They asked him to take over airway.
• He was also asked to look at medications.
• Prosecutor admits a photo showing Crnich searching in a nightstand drawer for medications.
• A photo of a pill bottle found in the nightstand is shown.
• Nothing further from prosecution.
• Nester asks who was around the body before the compression machine was hooked up.
• Crnich says there were two men with medium builds.
• Crnich put a tube down Eric’s throat and says there wasn’t any blood on Eric’s face at that point.
• Shortly after, blood showed up in the tube and out of his mouth.
• Nester moves to admit a photo of the nightstand.
• Photo shows a phone in a charger next to an Apple Watch.
• Nester notes there is no wallet on the nightstand in that image.
• Nester admits another photo showing Eric’s wallet on the nightstand.
• Nester asks to zoom in on white specks on the nightstand.
• Crnich says, “White specks.”
• Crnich says he does not recall any conversations with Kouri that night.

11:07 a.m.

State has its next witness ready, but the defense wants an expert present.

• Defense says they were to be given 24 hours advance notice so their expert could listen in or be present.
• Defense says their expert is not responding to a text message.
• Judge dismisses the jury to discuss the issue.

11:09 a.m.

• Judge asks Ramos what the issue was with the prosecution.
• Ramos says the defense was to be given 24 hours advance notice so their expert could listen in or be present.
• Judge says the defense expert can review the transcript over lunch.
• Prosecution says if another witness can get there quickly, they could re-organize the witness list.

11:13 a.m.

• Five-minute recess to coordinate witnesses.

11:27 a.m.

Next witness is Maddy Mobley.

• Mobley works for the Utah Office of Medical Examiner.
• Mobley worked as a morgue clerk in 2022.
• Mobley explains the process when collecting and transporting a body.
• Mobley explains her job was to break the seal on the body bag.
• Seal number is recorded.
• Clothing, medications, and identification are documented.
• Driver’s licenses are copied and remain with paperwork.
• Medication bottles are placed in a locker as evidence.
• Prosecution has no further questions.

Defense attorney Ramos asks about medications in the body bag.

• Mobley says remembering medicine names is not her job.
• Defense moves to admit an exhibit entitled medications found with body.
• No further questions.
• Prosecution has nothing more.
• Mobley is released.

11:39 a.m.

Next witness is Dr. Pamela Uhlmer.

• Uhlmer is a retired medical examiner and forensic pathologist.
• She was working in 2022.
• Uhlmer explains the process of when a body is transferred from a scene to the office.
• Uhlmer performed the autopsy on Eric Richins.
• Autopsy started around 7:30 a.m.
• Uhlmer is asked about her medical training.
• Uhlmer explains what an autopsy is, including external and internal examinations
• Uhlmer explains blood and other fluid sample collection.
• Eric was swabbed due to COVID-era procedures.
• Prosecution moves to admit the autopsy report.
• Uhlmer explains CPR can cause blood to seep from the lungs and come out the mouth.
• Uhlmer says mouth injury can occur during tube insertion.
• Uhlmer says there were no external injuries that contributed to death.
• Ribs were broken, likely from CPR.
• Early coronary heart disease was present.
• No indication of a heart attack due to clot or heart muscle damage.
• Uhlmer says there were little white nodules on the surface of the lungs.
• Uhlmer references dust exposure from stone masonry.
• Uhlmer does not believe it contributed to death.
• No scar tissue was found.
• Uhlmer says Eric had 700 ml of pink fluid and food particles in his digestive system.
• Part was detained for testing.
• Kidneys, bladder, and genitals looked fine.
• Uhlmer says nothing abnormal was found in the muscular, skeletal, or endocrine system.
• Samples were sent to the health department.
• Uhlmer lists several tests performed.
• Eric tested positive for COVID but had no evidence of pneumonia consistent with dying from COVID.
• Lunch break until 1:00 p.m.

1:09 p.m.

• Court resumes.
• Uhlmer is asked about vitreous fluid testing.
• Uhlmer says nothing was detected in the eye fluid.
• Uhlmer says additional tests were done on stomach contents to determine source of fentanyl.
• Uhlmer says there were 15 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl.
• Uhlmer says fentanyl should not have been present and the amount was toxic.
• Uhlmer requested a report of any prescriptions Eric was taking.
• Prosecution seeks to admit the report.
• Defense raises questions.
• Judge calls attorneys to the bench.

1:30 p.m.

• Medication report lists testosterone, Doxycycline, Hydrocodone, Disulfiram, and Naltrexone.

1:36 p.m.

• Uhlmer says caffeine and other substances were found.
• Uhlmer says she had questions because some substances did not match reported medications.
• Uhlmer says she relied on family information, death investigator information, law enforcement information, and medical records.
• Uhlmer’s opinion was drug intoxication by fentanyl.
• Uhlmer says manner of death could not be determined and she classified it as undetermined because investigation was ongoing when she retired.
• Uhlmer says she spoke with Kouri and filled out a form after the conversation.
• She does not have independent recollection.
• Kouri provided health information including Lyme disease and neuropathy.
• Uhlmer says Kouri told her Eric was not feeling well and had chest pain.
• Kouri said Eric’s mother died from a fungal infection.
• Uhlmer says they swabbed Eric’s lungs to check for fungal pneumonia.
• Uhlmer says she asked about drug use and Kouri said THC gummies.

1:52 p.m.

• Prosecution has no further questions.

Defense attorney Alex Ramos begins questioning Dr. Uhlmer.

1:53 p.m.

• Ramos asks about chronic Lyme disease and neuropathy.
• Ramos asks about alcohol testing and whether fentanyl was taken along with alcohol.
• Uhlmer says she cannot answer.
• Ramos asks about documentation of phone calls with the family.
• Uhlmer says she summarized calls and took notes, and her team did the same.
• Ramos asks about a March 17 call from Kouri.
• Uhlmer says she entered notes.
• Ramos asks about timing of fungal testing.
• Uhlmer says it likely occurred before the March 17 call.
• Ramos asks about allergic reactions and whether opioid allergy is possible.
• Uhlmer says possibly, but she has never seen it.
• Ramos asks whether THC gummies were located in gastric liquid.
• Uhlmer says she assumed they would have melted.
• Uhlmer says there was no measurable THC in other analysis.
• Ramos admits Eric’s preliminary death certificate.
• Immediate cause of death listed as drug intoxication, fentanyl.
• Manner of death changed from pending to not determined.
• It has not changed since then.
• Ramos asks about communications with Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
• Uhlmer says she had phone calls and may have had meetings.
• Ramos asks if she can ask for follow-up conversations with Kouri.
• Uhlmer says she could, but says she is not sure where the questioning is going.
• Ramos asks when manner of death became not determined.
• Uhlmer says June 22.
• Ramos asks about accidental fentanyl overdoses.
• Uhlmer says she saw them often and numbers increased from 2018 to 2022.
• Ramos has no further questions and tells Uhlmer to enjoy retirement.

Prosecutor begins re-direct and asks about fungal infection testing.

2:30 p.m.

• Prosecutor asks if Uhlmer had text evidence from Kouri’s phone.
• Uhlmer says she did not.
• Prosecutor asks if she had recordings from cell phone companies.
• Uhlmer says she did not.
• Prosecutor asks if she had financial documents.
• Uhlmer says she did not.
• Uhlmer says on June 6 she had nothing to rule homicide or suicide with fentanyl, and chose not determined.

2:33 p.m.

• Prosecutor finishes.
• Ramos asks if Uhlmer had opportunity to change anything on the death certificate before she retired.
• Uhlmer says she was busy closing out hundreds of cases and was not provided with information from law enforcement that would have caused her to change anything because the investigation was still active.
• Witness dismissed.
• Judge calls an afternoon recess.

2:37 p.m.

• Jury is gone.
• Nester raises an issue about “altered documents.”
• Prosecutor explains there was an error in information received.
• Judge instructs the parties to talk and try to resolve it.
• Court resumes at 2:50 p.m.

2:58 p.m.

Next witness is Allyson Christensen.

• Christensen worked as an autopsy assistant and autopsy supervisor in 2022.
• On March 5, 2022, she handled the toxicology samples to send to labs for testing.
• Prosecutor shows forms to Christensen with the name Eric Eugene Richins.
• Christensen says samples collected during autopsy were placed into a fridge.
• Tubes included blood, vitreous fluid, urine, and other samples.
• Christensen says six samples were sent out and one was held back.
• She explains requisition process, packaging, sealing, and shipping via FedEx.
• Christensen says the toxicology lab is next door to the medical examiner.
• Christensen explains she is trained in histology, the microscopic study of tissues and cells.
• Histology differs from regular blood testing.
• Christensen explains what tissues were sent for testing.
• Prosecution has nothing further.
• Defense has no questions.
• Witness excused.

3:13 p.m.

Next witness is Chelsea Gipson.

• Gipson is the lead crime scene investigation technician with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
• Gipson previously worked as a dispatcher.
• Gipson went to the Richins home on March 4.
• She arrived around 6:30 a.m.
• Her primary focus was to document the scene and help Dep. Woody find anything that might explain death.
• A 3D camera took an image of the scene.
• Prosecution admits a 3D scan of the home.
• Gipson narrates the scan as it passes two kids’ bedrooms, a shared bathroom, the master bedroom, the master bathroom, and the master closet.
• The scan then leaves the master bedroom, moves down the main hallway, and shows stairs leading to the attic and, to the left, the living room, dining area, and kitchen.
• Gipson says she did not see drug paraphernalia or THC gummies.
• Prosecutors admit two photos from the master bedroom.
• Gipson says there was a safe next to the master bed.
• Safe contained firearms, a large amount of cash, ammunition, an empty checkbook, and other items.
• Photo shown of Eric with a white sheet over his body.
• Gipson says she looked through the master bathroom.
• She did not find THC gummies.
• She did not see anything like that in the master bedroom either.
• Gipson did not look through the kitchen.
• Gipson says if something significant had been found, she would have been notified to photograph and document it.
• Gipson says she and several detectives left the scene around 8:30 a.m.
• They were the last law enforcement officers to leave.
• Later searches were done with warrants looking for specific items in cabinets, cupboards, doors, and other locations.
• Gipson says she responded to the Richins home eight times.
• Gipson says she has responded to more than 100 locations with search warrants and or crime scenes.
• Gipson explains deputies had different assignments at scenes.
• On April 13, 2022, the home and detached garage were searched.
• Christensen’s assignment was photographing and assisting in searching.
• Prosecutor plays the 3D scan video.
• Camera stops in the master bedroom.
• Gipson identifies the significant item as a green iPhone.
• Gipson opens the sealed plastic envelope and shows the phone to the jury.
• Gipson says it was Eric Richins’ phone.
• Gipson is asked to pull out another plastic envelope from the April 13, 2022 search.
• It contains pills that were taken from a basket in the home.
• Gipson steps down with a mic and points on the TV to where the pills were found in the bedroom.
• Nester asks to see the pills in the bottle.
• Nester and prosecutor approach Gipson on the stand.
• Gipson puts on black gloves and opens the bottle.
• They inspect the pills.

3:48 p.m.

• Prosecutor asks to admit more photos.
• Prosecutor asks Gipson to open another exhibit.
• Photo of a cabinet above the toilet is shown.
• Items were seized including two gummies, two chocolate brownies, two clear baggies of gummies, and other items.
• Defense objects.
• Judge calls attorneys to the bench.

3:54 p.m.

Sidebar ends.

• Prosecutor asks Gipson to open an exhibit.
• Gipson requests a sanitary wipe.
• Gipson opens the bag.
• Gipson says the items were photographed before being booked into evidence.
• Image of the master closet is shown.
• Gipson says this is where a bag of gummies was found.
• Prosecutor asks Gipson to open the evidence bag.
• Gipson opens the package and the gummies are shown.
• More gummies are admitted into evidence.
• Gipson says they were photographed, collected, and brought to the sheriff’s office.
• Gipson collected tweezers found inside a woman’s jacket.
• Tweezers were taken to the sheriff’s office and sent to the state crime lab.
• 3D scan continues showing markers where items of significance were collected.
• Gipson says documents were found in a backpack with Eric’s and Kouri’s names.
• A phone belonging to Kouri was seized.
• Gipson pulls the phone out in court.
• Gipson reminds the jurors items were collected April 13, 2022.
• Eric died March 4.

4:08 p.m.

• Prosecutor shows the scan again with tags for a different search date.
• They were looking for electronics and documents.
• Gipson says the May 8, 2023 search recovered an orange notebook from the nightstand.
• Prosecutor says they will come back to it.
• A blue iPhone was also collected from the nightstand.
• Photo from the master bedroom is shown.
• Gipson shows where the phone was in relation to the bedroom.
• Detached office was searched.
• Prosecutor moves to admit a 3D rendering of the office.
• A document was collected from a cabinet in the office.
• Gipson says a phone was seized from Kouri Richins on May 8, 2023.
• Phone was downloaded and admitted into evidence.
• Another search of the home was done on Nov. 7, 2024.
• A 3D scan was also done that day and tags were placed to show where items of interest were in the home.
• Gipson says during the November search, a timeline was found inside a kitchen cabinet.
• Prosecutor reviews other items found and seized.
• Prosecutor says a Motorola phone taken from Carmen Lauber was also seized.
• Gipson explains what happens after phones are booked into evidence.
• Gipson says that in 2022, the sheriff’s office did not have the ability to download a phone.
• Gipson says downloads had to be done through the forensic institution.
• Gipson says in early 2023 the sheriff’s office obtained Cellebrite for phone data extraction.
• Prosecutor asks questions about cell phone downloads and Cellebrite.
• Gipson confirms she helped download Kouri’s blue iPhone.
• Prosecutor has nothing further.

4:35 p.m.

• Judge says the court will wrap up for the day.
• Cross-examination will begin in the morning.
• Judge reminds jurors not to research the case.
• Jury exits the courtroom.

4:39 p.m.

• Court is adjourned until tomorrow morning.

March 4, 2022

Crime Scene Body-Cam and On-Scene Interviews
Summit County Sheriff’s Office

Initial Contact and Statements

3:00 a.m. to 3:22 a.m.

• Kouri Richins states she woke up while sleeping with her children and went to the primary bedroom.
• She reports discovering Eric Richins unresponsive in bed.
• She tells deputies Eric was “cold” when she found him.
• She calls 911 reporting Eric was not breathing.

Deputy Interview at the Scene

5:50 a.m.

• Deputy Nguyen begins speaking with Kouri Richins outside the bedroom.
• Kouri states she and Eric were “fine” before going to bed.
• She reports they had a drink together around 9:00 p.m. to celebrate something related to work.
• She gives inconsistent bedtimes, first stating 9:30 p.m., then correcting to 9:45 p.m.

Follow-Up Statements at the Scene

Shortly after

• Kouri explains she slept with her children and later returned to the marital bed.
• She says Eric was initially lying on the bed and later states he was on his back.
• She confirms her children were awake and listening at the bedroom door.
• She asks deputies not to allow the children to see the scene.

Medical and Health Statements

During initial questioning

• Kouri states Eric had Lyme disease but “nothing major.”
• She denies Eric had any heart problems.
• She says Eric complained of chest pain before bed.
• She attributes his fatigue to allergy shots received the day before.
• She confirms the family recently had COVID but says Eric tested negative about a week earlier.

Discovery of the Body

Deputy questioning

• Kouri states she realized something was wrong when she touched Eric and felt he was cold.
• She says she covered him with a blanket because the room felt cold.
• She states she did not feel breathing and attempted to wake him.
• She reports pulling Eric to the floor to perform CPR after speaking with a 911 operator.

Paramedic Observations

Statements from Paramedic Margaret Offret

• Paramedics report Eric had no pulse and was in asystole the entire time.
• They state Eric was cold upon arrival, indicating he had been deceased for some time.
• Narcan was administered with no effect.
• Paramedics observe blood present during mechanical compressions.
• A hydrocodone prescription bottle dated 2016 is observed in a drawer near the bed.

CPR Discrepancies

Fire and EMS statements

• Dispatch notes initially indicated CPR was being performed.
• A fire department responder later states Kouri was not performing CPR when they arrived.
• Kouri maintains she pulled Eric to the floor to attempt CPR.

Drug Use Statements

Deputy questioning

• Kouri denies any recent illicit drug use by Eric.
• She denies prescription abuse in the past year.
• She later mentions Eric may have taken pain pills when he was in high school.
• She acknowledges Eric sometimes eats THC gummies before bed.

Family Notifications

Early morning

• Kouri calls her mother, Lisa Darden, asking her to come to the house.
• She later calls Eric’s father, Gene Richins, stating Eric is not breathing and paramedics are present.
• She tells Gene CPR is being performed, despite later EMS statements contradicting that claim.

Medical Examiner Involvement

Later that morning

• Deputies inform the family that the Medical Examiner will respond due to Eric’s age and lack of serious health conditions.
• Plans are made to transport Eric’s body for further investigation.

April 13, 2022

Detective Woody Interview
Summit County Sheriff’s Office

Search of the Home and Safety Concerns

April 13, 2022

• Detective Woody states law enforcement will search the home.
• He explains the purpose is to locate any dangerous substances.
• Kouri states the house is not locked and she does not keep it locked.
• She confirms several people are currently at the home, including.
• Her nanny
• Housekeepers
• Her mother
• Her brother
• She confirms all children are at school or preschool.

Electronics and Digital Evidence

During the interview

• Detective Woody explains officers will seize all electronics.
• He states this includes phones, laptops, tablets, and computers.
• He explains the search is necessary to determine whether drugs were ordered electronically.

Kouri’s statements

• Kouri says Eric’s work computer was taken by an employee named Cody.
• She later identifies another employee named Becky who cleaned out the office.
• She states business electronics are no longer at the home.
• She confirms Eric had an iPad but is unsure of its location.

Statements Regarding Cleanup and Missing Evidence

Detective questioning

• Detective Woody notes it is “odd” that nothing was found at the house.
• He raises the possibility that evidence may have been cleaned up.
• He states officers have warrants for all electronics in case evidence was concealed.

Drug Storage Locations

Kouri’s explanation

• Kouri states Eric kept any substances away from children.
• She identifies a medicine cabinet in her bathroom.
• She says items would be kept on the highest shelves where children could not reach them.

Phone Seizure and Interview Continuation

Later in the interview

• Detective Woody asks Kouri if she has her phone with her.
• She states her phone is in her car.
• She also acknowledges having a laptop and a computer for her business.

Conclusion of Interview

End of interview

• Detective Woody states investigators still want to speak with Kouri again.
• He instructs her to think carefully about anything that might explain how fentanyl entered the home.
• Kouri continues to express disbelief, asking why Eric would take fentanyl.
• The interview concludes with plans for continued investigation and evidence collection.