Utah Woman Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Husband's Fentanyl Poisoning

Kouri Richins, a Utah woman convicted of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a fentanyl-laced cocktail, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on May 13, 2026. The sentencing coincided with what would have been Eric Richins' 44th birthday.

In March 2026, a Summit County jury found Richins guilty of aggravated murder, attempted murder, insurance fraud, forgery, and filing false insurance claims. Prosecutors presented evidence that she administered a lethal dose of fentanyl to her husband in March 2022 and had attempted to poison him weeks earlier with a fentanyl-laced sandwich.

During the sentencing hearing, statements from the couple's three sons were read aloud. The children expressed fear of their mother and requested the maximum sentence. The eldest son stated, "I miss my dad, but I do not miss how my life used to be. I don't miss Kouri. I will tell you that."

Richins, who had self-published a children's book on grief following her husband's death, addressed the court, maintaining her innocence and speaking directly to her children. She stated, "As much as you've been influenced into thinking that dad was murdered, that I took your dad from you, that is completely wrong and an absolute lie."

Judge Richard Mrazik, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the severity of the crime and its impact on the family, particularly the children. He stated that Richins is "simply too dangerous to ever be free."

Richins' defense team has indicated plans to appeal the conviction and sentence.