On March 4, 2022, Kouri Richins discovered her husband, Eric Richins, unresponsive in their bed. Despite the efforts of first responders, Eric was pronounced dead at the scene. What initially seemed like a sudden and tragic death turned into a complex and controversial case, culminating in Kouri’s arrest and charge of murder. The incident not only shattered a family but also captivated the public’s attention, particularly after Kouri authored a children’s book about coping with grief. Below, we’ll detail the tragic events, the investigation, and the legal battle that ensued.
The Night of March 4, 2022
A Celebration Turns Tragic
Kouri Richins’ mother, Lisa Darden, recounted the events leading up to Eric’s death during an interview with “48 Hours” contributor and “The Talk” co-host Natalie Morales. On the evening of March 3, Kouri and Eric were celebrating a new house-flipping deal Kouri had secured. According to Lisa, Kouri made Eric a Moscow mule—a cocktail made with vodka and ginger beer—to mark the occasion. After the celebration, Kouri went to bed with their nine-year-old son, Ashton, who often suffered from nightmares.
Around 3 a.m., Kouri returned to her bed and found Eric cold and unresponsive. Panicked, she called 911 and performed CPR under the dispatcher’s guidance, but it was too late. Eric, a 39-year-old father of three, was gone.
Initial Reactions and Suspicions
The initial belief among first responders was that Eric might have died from an aneurysm. However, an autopsy later revealed that Eric had died from a lethal dose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid. This revelation shocked Eric’s family, especially since, according to family spokesman Greg Skordas, Eric was not known to use opioids.
“He wasn’t an opioid user … This doesn’t smell right,” Skordas remarked, reflecting the family’s immediate suspicion. Eric’s family began to wonder if Kouri might have had a role in his death, especially after learning that Eric had expressed concerns about his safety to them.
The Investigation
Discrepancies and Allegations
Following Eric’s death, the investigation quickly zeroed in on Kouri Richins. Prosecutors alleged that Kouri had given Eric a lethal dose of fentanyl on the night he died. The suspicion was that she had laced the Moscow mule with the drug. Eric’s family, already suspicious, recalled Eric’s warning: “If I die, you need to take a look at her because I think she’s trying to kill me.”
Kouri’s Public Image and Legal Battle
In the months following Eric’s death, Kouri faced intense scrutiny. Despite the mounting suspicion, she maintained her innocence. Her attorney, Skye Lazaro, emphasized that the prosecution needed to prove Kouri obtained the fentanyl and administered it to Eric—a challenging task without concrete evidence.
Kouri’s life after Eric’s death was tumultuous. In an effort to cope with her grief and support her three sons, she wrote a children’s book titled “Are You With Me?” The book, aimed at helping children deal with loss, portrayed Eric as an angelic presence watching over his family. Kouri promoted the book on local TV, which brought a brief respite from her grief but also intensified public interest in her case.
The Couple’s History
Meeting and Marriage
Kouri and Eric’s story began in 2009 when they met at a local Home Depot. Kouri was a cashier, and Eric, who worked in construction, was a frequent customer. Their romance blossomed quickly, and in 2013, they got married. They had three sons: Carter, Ashton, and Weston. Kouri’s family recalls Eric as a dedicated father who was deeply involved in his children’s lives.
Business Ventures
Both Kouri and Eric were successful in their respective careers. Eric owned a stone masonry business, while Kouri operated a real estate company, buying, renovating, and selling homes. According to Kouri’s mother, Lisa, Kouri often juggled three house-flipping projects simultaneously, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and intelligence.
Underlying Tensions
Despite their apparent success, the couple had their share of disagreements. Lisa Darden acknowledged that Eric wanted Kouri to be a stay-at-home mom, which conflicted with her independent nature. Additionally, Eric’s frequent hunting trips, sometimes lasting several months, were a point of contention. Kouri’s family also alleged infidelity on Eric’s part, which added strain to their marriage.
Legal Developments
Charges and Arrest
On May 8, 2023, Kouri Richins was arrested and charged with aggravated murder. The prosecution alleged that she had “committed homicide” by administering poison—specifically fentanyl. Court documents revealed that Eric’s family believed Kouri had tried to poison Eric before, citing two previous incidents: one in 2019 during a trip to Greece and another on Valentine’s Day 2022.
The Fentanyl Evidence
Prosecutors built their case around the assertion that Kouri had procured fentanyl from a known drug dealer. Detective Jeff O’Driscoll testified that Kouri had contacted an associate, identified as C.L., to obtain the drug. According to C.L., Kouri purchased fentanyl on two occasions—one in early February 2022 and another a week later.
Defense Strategy
Kouri’s attorney, Skye Lazaro, disputed the prosecution’s claims, questioning the credibility of C.L., who had a criminal history. Lazaro argued that there was no direct evidence linking Kouri to the purchase or administration of fentanyl and suggested that the money Kouri paid C.L. could have been for cleaning services, not drugs.
The Bombshell Letter
In a surprising twist, a handwritten letter was found in Kouri’s jail cell during a routine search. The letter, addressed to her mother, became known as the “Walk the Dog” letter, due to instructions Kouri included about caring for her dog. Prosecutors alleged that the letter was an attempt to tamper with witnesses by suggesting what her brother Ronney should testify in court. Kouri denied these allegations, claiming the letter was part of a book she was writing and was never meant to be sent.
‘Walk the Dog’ Lett… by Leigh Egan
Court’s Decision
Despite the dramatic revelations, Judge Richard Mrazik ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove witness tampering and denied the motion for a no-contact order between Kouri Richins and her family. As the case moved forward, both families remained deeply divided, each seeking justice for Eric’s death.
The Families’ Perspectives
Eric’s Family
Eric’s family, represented by Greg Skordas, maintained that Kouri’s actions were driven by financial motives. They pointed to the multiple life insurance policies on Eric, worth nearly $3 million, and alleged that Kouri had forged Eric’s signature to obtain another policy just months before his death. They also claimed Kouri had misappropriated funds from Eric’s business.
Kouri’s Family
Kouri’s family, on the other hand, stood firmly by her side, asserting her innocence. They argued that Eric’s death was a tragic accident resulting from his use of THC gummies, which they believed might have been laced with fentanyl. Lisa Darden emphasized that Eric was aware of their financial situation and supported Kouri’s business ventures, including the mansion they were celebrating the night he died.
Moving Forward
The Children’s Well-Being
Amid the legal battle, both families expressed concern for Eric and Kouri’s three sons. Eric’s family feared for their well-being, while Kouri’s family focused on maintaining stability for the children during this tumultuous time. The boys’ future remains uncertain as the families await the trial.
Awaiting Trial
Kouri Richins’ trial is scheduled for 2025, and the outcome remains uncertain. The case has drawn significant media attention, with many awaiting the court’s decision on this complex and emotionally charged case. Until then, both families are left to cope with their grief and seek justice in their own ways.
The tragic death of Eric Richins has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. As the legal proceedings unfold, the search for truth and justice continues. Kouri Richins’ case is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and the profound impact such events can have on families. Whether she is found guilty or innocent, the aftermath of Eric’s death will be felt for years to come, and the journey to healing will be a long and arduous one for everyone involved.
