The last three weeks of trial saw testimonies from family members, investigators, law enforcement, forensic scientists, and others. Additionally, the Richins’ housekeeper who allegedly purchased fentanyl for Kouri, and her alleged boyfriend, testified.
A variety of texts, notes, and phone calls were presented to the court, along with a reading of the “Walk the Dog” letter.
Evidence presented at the Kouri Richins murder trial.
Prosecution closing argument
Brad Bloodworth, representing the prosecution, began Monday by delivering the state’s closing argument. He stated that Kouri felt grief throughout her life and wanted to appear privileged and successful. This goal was achieved when she met Eric, a business owner with money.
“She wanted the perfect life. Or, at least, the appearance of a perfect life,” said Bloodworth.
While Eric and Kouri had a family and seemed stable from a distance, Bloodworth argued that “[Kouri] wanted to leave Eric but did not want to leave his money.”
As a result, Bloodworth claimed that Kouri took $250,000 from Eric’s house to start her own business, hoping to earn enough money to leave him. Kouri was ambitious and took risks; however, she gambled and lost— her business was failing.
Kouri dreamed of raising her kids in the Midway Mansion, but with her alleged boyfriend, Grossman, not Eric, Bloodworth said. To make this dream a reality and stay well-off and successful, the state argued that Kouri knowingly and intentionally murdered Eric for his money.
The prosecution stated that Kouri booked a future trip with Grossman, knowing Eric would be dead by then, confided in friends about her unhappiness with Eric, and believed it would be better “if he were dead.” Additionally, she changed Eric’s life insurance policy and asked two individuals for the “Michael Jackson drug.” Bloodworth said that those illicit street drugs Kouri purchased contained fentanyl that Kouri put it in a Moscow Mule that was given to Eric.
The first minute of the 9-1-1 call from the morning that Eric was found deceased was played again for the jury. Bloodworth stated that the first minute of the call was not the sound of a wife becoming a widow; rather, “it was the sound of a wife becoming a black widow.”
The court is still in session. ABC4 will provide updates both on air and online.
Jurors are scheduled to hear closing arguments in the trial of Kouri Richins, the Kamas woman accused of killing her husband and writing a children’s book about coping with grief, on Monday morning.
Kouri Richins, 35, is charged with aggravated murder, attempted criminal homicide, two counts of fraudulent insurance claims, and forgery. She is accused of poisoning her husband, Eric, with fentanyl in 2022.