Trial Begins for Utah Mother Accused of Husband’s Fatal Poisoning

A mother from Utah, accused of poisoning her husband with a Moscow Mule infused with fentanyl, is set to face trial as jury selection starts on Tuesday. Kuri Richens, 35, reportedly killed her husband, Eric Richens, 39, using a drink that contained five times the lethal dose of synthetic opioids. Earlier, she had allegedly attempted to poison him with fentanyl hidden in a sandwich, according to the authorities.

Prosecutors suggest that Kuri’s real estate business was struggling, providing her with a motive to murder her husband to collect on his life insurance policy and $3.6 million worth of real estate. There are also allegations that she had an affair with a handyman.

After the alleged murder of Eric on March 3, 2022, Kuri published a children’s book titled “Are You With Me?” about dealing with grief. She marketed the book on local television after a year.

She was arrested in May 2023, facing additional accusations of financial crimes linked to the murder.

Kuri supposedly mixed the poisoned drink for Eric under the pretense of celebrating the sale of a house. She claimed that after serving him the drink, she fell asleep in their child’s bed due to a nightmare. When she returned to their bedroom, she found Eric unresponsive.

Just a month prior to her arrest, Kuri appeared on the local program “Good Things Utah,” expressing shock over Eric’s death. She mentioned that her children and she had collaborated on the book to navigate their emotions and grieving process over the past year.

The book, originally priced at $14.99, was removed from Amazon after her arrest. It was described as essential reading for children experiencing loss and for parents looking to support their children emotionally during difficult times.

Prosecutors believe that Kuri was involved with handyman Robert Grossman and sent him texts indicating her desire to escape her life shortly after an initial attempt on Eric’s life. In the week Eric was killed, she allegedly messaged, “Life is going to change, I promise. Good luck until Friday.”

Furthermore, she reportedly took out multiple life insurance policies in Eric’s name totaling $2 million without his knowledge. When Eric became aware of her intentions, he changed his will to remove her as a beneficiary.

Kuri Richens has pleaded not guilty to charges, including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, and drug possession. She has been incarcerated since her arrest. Jury selection is expected to take up to two weeks, with opening statements slated for February 23. The trial could last as long as five weeks.