Utah children’s book author Kouri Richins sentenced for husband’s murder
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A Utah children’s book author who once wrote about helping her young sons cope with grief was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of killing her husband with a fentanyl-laced drink.
Kouri Richins was sentenced in a case that stunned observers with its mix of alleged greed, deceit and deeply personal consequences.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Richard Mrazik said he considered the full scope of the case under Utah law, including the seriousness of the crime and its impact on those involved.
He noted that even if sentenced to less than 25 years of life in prison, Richins likely wouldn’t be eligible for parole until age 66.
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Kouri Richins attends a sentencing hearing with defense attorney Wendy Lewis, left, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Park City’s 3rd District Court. (Trent Nelson/AP, Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
The judge said the sentence ensured Richins “could not harm anyone for the next thirty years or more” and acknowledged that he had caused long-term emotional harm to his children.
Stating that he has “real concern” about children for the coming decades and cannot predict how his views will develop over time, he expressed hope that those affected by Eric Richins’ death will eventually find peace.
The judge added that Kouri Richins was “too dangerous to be free.”
Before the sentence was given, the judge warned those in the courtroom to remain calm.
Kouri Richins reacts to Katie Richins-Benson’s impact statement during her sentencing on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in 3rd District Court in Park City, Utah. (Trent Nelson/AP, Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
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“This is an emotionally charged situation, reasonably so, but there is no external reaction,” Mrazik said.
Eric Richins’ family sat just feet away as Richins sat at the defense table in his lime green prison uniform as his supporters filled the back rows.
Prosecutors called victim witnesses, starting with Eric’s father, Gene, who described a son devoted to his family.
“Eric was, first and foremost, an incredible father,” he said. “For his three sons, his sons were his world.”
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Utah author Kouri Richins allegedly tried to steal her husband Eric Richins’ life insurance benefits before his death in March 2022. (Family Statement)
“Sports teams still break up their fights by saying ‘1-2-3 Eric,'” he added. “Eric’s sons lost their father. I lost my son, too.”
Eric’s sister Katie spoke on what would have been his 44th birthday.
“It’s Eric’s birthday. I’m standing in front of you because he can’t do this,” she said.
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Body camera footage of Kouri Richins is displayed on a monitor during her murder trial at the Summit County Courthouse in Park City, Utah, on February 23, 2026. (Spenser Stacks/AP Photo)
He accused Richin of alienating the children from the family and trying to gain access to their father’s assets.
“He used them as a bargaining chip,” Katie said, adding that Richins fought for control of the trust funds for years.
The statements of the couple’s children describing fear and trauma were also read in court.
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Kouri Richins attends a sentencing hearing with defense attorney Wendy Lewis, left, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Park City’s 3rd District Court. (Trent Nelson/AP, Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
“I woke up to sirens… I was scared,” one child wrote.
“You took my father for a reason other than greed,” said another.
In records obtained by PEOPLE, The children also stated that they were afraid of their mother’s release.
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Kouri Richins was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing her husband. (Facebook/ Kouri Richins)
“I’m scared if he gets out he’ll come after me and my siblings,” one wrote.
Prosecutors urged the court to hold Richins fully accountable.
“Kouri Richins deserved this,” Summit County District Attorney Brad Bloodworth said. “Fathers were not created to bury their sons.”
Amy Richins delivers an impact statement during the sentencing of Kouri Richins on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in 3rd District Court in Park City, Utah. (Trent Nelson/AP, Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
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The sentencing coincided with Eric Richins’ 44th birthday.
During the hearing, prosecutors asked the judge to ban Richins from having contact with his children unless they initiated it, but the judge said he could not legally grant that request.
“I don’t like what I have to say, but according to the law, I can’t do that,” Mrazik said.
The court decided to postpone the compensation hearing to July 31.
While the defense presented letters requesting leniency, a chaplain said Richins was active in prison programs.
Richins became emotional as his older brother addressed him directly.
“Little brother, I love you. I miss you,” he said.
Gene Richins delivers an impact statement during the sentencing of Kouri Richins on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in 3rd District Court in Park City, Utah. (Trent Nelson/AP, Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
Richin then addressed the court, speaking directly to her children.
“My sweet babies,” he said. “I know you don’t want to talk to me today… It’s okay.”
He urged them not to let the case define them.
“Use these opportunities to grow and learn. They don’t define you.”
Richins claimed he tried to contact them but was disconnected.
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“I was desperately trying to contact you,” he said.
He insisted that he had not abandoned them.
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“No matter what anyone says, I didn’t abandon you.”
He also reflected on his marriage, admitting infidelity from both parties.
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“I fell in love with someone who is not your father… Your father fell in love with someone who is not me.”
Kouri Richins was convicted of murdering her husband, Eric Richins. (Facebook/ Kouri Richins)
“We forgave, we moved on, and we loved. Our love was enough. Your love is all you need to ignore the noise,” he added.
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Richins was convicted earlier this year of murdering her husband and multiple counts of fraud and forgery in what prosecutors described as a calculated conspiracy to collect nearly $2 million in life insurance while drowning in roughly $7.5 million in debt.
Jurors heard that she closed on a $2.9 million mansion the day her husband died and then spent more than $1.3 million in insurance proceeds in the months.
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Investigators testified that Eric Richins had five times the lethal amount of fentanyl in his system. Prosecutors also pointed to an earlier allegation of poisoning him weeks before his death.
The case attracted national attention not only for the allegations but also for what happened afterwards.
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After her husband’s death, Richins published a children’s book about grief in an attempt to help her sons cope with the loss; Prosecutors said this detail underlined the calculated nature of the crime.
