Utah Mother Sentenced to Life in Prison for Husband’s Murder
Cori Richens, a mother from Utah, received a life sentence on Wednesday for the murder of her husband. She had previously authored a book aimed at helping her sons cope with their grief, but her sentencing followed a heartfelt yet defiant speech in front of the judge, in which she expressed feelings of being persecuted.
Judge Richard Mrazik imposed the sentence after hearing that Richens’ three young sons felt unsafe around her. They conveyed their fears about their mother during the proceedings, advocating that she should remain imprisoned for life.
Before the judge revealed her sentence, Richens delivered a 30-minute address that was mainly directed at her children, who are presently under the care of her deceased husband’s sister.
Richens was convicted in March for the aggravated murder and related charges connected to the death of her husband, Eric Richens, on March 4, 2022. Ironically, the sentencing occurred on what would have been his 44th birthday.
During the lengthy hearing, Richens appeared in court wearing a bright green prison shirt layered with a gray long-sleeved shirt. As Eric’s family pleaded with the judge to keep her behind bars, she displayed a range of emotions, from disbelief to anger.
In a poignant moment, Eric’s sister, Katie Richens-Benson, recounted how her brother was hesitant to divorce Cori, fearing for their sons’ safety if left alone with her. Her claims visibly affected Richens, as she appeared shocked and defensive.
“He believed Cori was the most evil person he had ever met,” Katie told the court, emphasizing that Eric recognized his sons’ dislike for their mother and suspected they needed to stay away from her.
Additionally, three social workers presented statements from the boys, detailing how their mother had taken their father from them and had been abusive. As one social worker read the statements, Richens appeared to discuss her situation with her attorney, who showed signs of scepticism.
Richens broke down in tears during the hearing, using a tissue to cover her face as her lawyer presented letters from family members, highlighting her dedication to her children and her transformation while incarcerated, where she became a certified paralegal and earned a master’s degree.
After the emotional discharge, Richens’ brother expressed his support and claimed her innocence, further complicating the narrative of the case.
Richens’ attorney, Wendy Lewis, argued that a sentence of 25 years to life would be more appropriate, suggesting that a life term without the possibility of parole should be reserved for the most egregious offenses. She reiterated Richens’ claim of innocence.
The prosecution, however, painted a darker picture of Richens. Evidence revealed that she had plotted the murder in hopes of inheriting her husband’s $4 million estate to resolve her significant business debts, as well as to pursue a relationship with a handyman.
They alleged that she had attempted to poison Eric with fentanyl hidden in his sandwich just weeks before the murder, ultimately succeeding when she spiked his Moscow Mule with a lethal dose while their sons slept nearby.
Nearly a year after Eric’s death, Richens published a children’s book titled “Are You With Me?” that was promoted on various media platforms, a move prosecutors argued was both insensitive and opportunistic.
Her sons, now aged 9, 12, and 13, expressed their desire for her to remain incarcerated, fearing for their safety and the safety of their extended family. One son openly stated his concerns about her potential release.
Richens’ lawyer criticized the prosecution’s approach, calling it a “character assassination.” Cori Richens is set to face another trial regarding financial crimes tied to her husband’s death.
