On Monday, June 12, 2023, a hearing was held to determine whether or not Kouri Richins would be allowed bail or have to stay in custody until trial. As part of those proceedings, Kouri’s sister-in-law Amy Richins testified against her. Kouri was visibly emotional throughout Amy’s testimony, crying heavily.
Kouri stands accused of murdering her husband, Eric Richins, by lacing his Moscow mule cocktail with fentanyl. This case has gained national attention because after his death, Kouri wrote a children’s book on grief, sharing how she and her children were processing Eric’s death. Kouri was denied bail.
Amy did not have any kind words to say about Kouri. “I never knew evil like this existed,” she began. Her words clearly impacted Kouri.
Amy testified that her family embraced Kouri and welcomed her into their fold with open arms. She now fears for her nephews’ lives. She believes that Kouri is "devoid of moral sensibility."
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Amy asked the court not to release Kouri on bail. She fears Kouri will just use “fraudulent” life insurance money recklessly. “Our family has already suffered enough,” she concluded.
In addition to Amy’s victim impact testimony, the prosecution presented other evidence to strengthen its case against bail. Prosecutors read a text exchange between Kouri and her best friend. “I pumped so damn hard, so hard, screaming at him to come back to life,” Kouri allegedly wrote.
The emergency technicians who responded to Kouri’s 911 call told a different story. “The Defendant informed dispatch and police she performed CPR on Eric Richins while awaiting EMS response. Foam coming from Eric Richins’ mouth, however, indicates that EMS personnel were in fact the first to perform CPR on him,” the prosecution argued.
Kouri claims to have made the Moscow mule for Eric to celebrate a real estate purchase. She then went to sleep with one of their sons who was having bad dreams. When she returned to bed, she found Eric “cold to the touch.”
The prosecution claims Kouri had a second cellphone that she used to make questionable internet searches. These included “luxury prisons for the rich in America,” cause of death changings on a death certificate, and the legalities of polygraph tests. Kouri also allegedly did further research by clicking on articles with titles such as “Signs of Being Under Federal Investigation.”
The defense did not take all of these accusations lying down. They claimed the prosecution has no evidence linking Kouri to a person named C.L., whom she supposedly bought the fentanyl from. They also pointed out that none of the drug was found at Kouri and Eric’s home.
The defense also rejects any evidence pointing toward Kouri’s finances. “Being bad with money does not make you a murderer,” they stated.
A scheduling conference for Kouri’s trial will take place on June 22.
