Cori Richens, a mother from Utah, wore a wry smile as prosecutors made their case against her, alleging that she poisoned her husband. Following this, she even published a children’s book about dealing with grief.
During the trial, the 35-year-old appeared to smirk as prosecutor Brad Bloodworth urged the jury to convict her in the death of her husband, Eric Richens, 39. He claimed she spiked her husband’s Moscow Mule cocktail with a fatal amount of fentanyl on March 4, 2022.
However, Judge Richard Mradzik dismissed her objection and allowed the prosecution to continue with their arguments.
Throughout the prosecutor’s closing statements, Richens displayed a range of emotions—raising her eyebrows, grinning, and at times, leaning in to converse with her defense team in a hurried manner.
Following Mr. Bloodworth’s argument, defense attorney Kathy Nester sought a mistrial, claiming that the prosecutor made an error during closing arguments.
Nester contended that comments regarding Richens’ supposed lack of emotion during critical testimony were inappropriate, as was the mention of her being referred to as a “black widow.” Additionally, she argued that Bloodworth mischaracterized some of her behavior as “narcissistic.”
Despite these claims, Mr. Mradzik denied the mistrial request but directed the jury to solely consider the evidence regarding Richens’ demeanor in court.
Prosecutors assert that Richens murdered Eric with the intent to gain access to his $4 million estate, which would alleviate her significant debt from a failed real estate venture.
Additionally, they believe she attempted to escape allegations by involving a handyman with whom she had an affair.
Just two weeks prior to his death, it is alleged that Richens tried to poison Eric by putting fentanyl in his sandwich.
In contrast, the defense described the investigation as “sloppy” and argued that the evidence does not meet the burden of proof for a conviction.
Richens faces aggravated murder charges along with other related counts, with a potential sentence of 25 years if found guilty of the most serious charge. She continues to assert her innocence.
Deliberations by the jury commenced on Monday afternoon.
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