A Deadly Cocktail of Deception: The Kouri and Eric Richins Story

This is what a total psychopath really looks like.

“I just wanted some story to read to my kids at night” — Kouri Richins, Murderer and Children’s book author

The life of Eric Richins, a beloved basketball coach, children’s soccer coach, and avid hunter, ended in a tragic and unexpected manner. The 39-year-old, well-regarded for his sterling character and active lifestyle, was found dead at his home on March 4, 2022. His wife, Kouri, claimed he died of a brain aneurysm, but the subsequent investigation revealed a different, darker truth.

Eric and Kouri Richins had been married since June 15, 2013, having met at a Home Depot where Kouri worked. By all appearances, they were a regular couple, but behind closed doors, their relationship was riddled with suspicion and alleged betrayal. Eric reportedly expressed concerns to a friend that Kouri was trying to poison him. This suspicion was ignited after a trip to Greece a few years prior when he fell violently ill after consuming a drink Kouri had given him. His fear became more palpable after he fell sick following a Valentine’s Day dinner at home in 2022.

Moscow Bull

Evidence collected during the investigation pointed towards a disturbing turn of events. On the night of his death, Kouri prepared a Moscow Mule for Eric, a cocktail they enjoyed in bed as they celebrated the impending closure of a house deal. Kouri claimed she retired to sleep with one of their children due to the child’s night terrors. When she woke around 3:00 am, she found Eric unresponsive and cold to the touch. An autopsy revealed that Eric died from a lethal overdose of illicit fentanyl, approximately five times the lethal dosage.

Liar Liar

A series of unfortunate events unfolded following Eric’s death. Kouri was seen as grieving and moved to write a children’s book that dealt with different emotions and the grieving process. She appeared on Good Things Utah, promoting her book, which she said was aimed at helping herself and her children deal with their loss. But there were inconsistencies in her accounts, and the police noted suspicious activity on her phone on the night of Eric’s death.

Further investigation led to the discovery of alleged financial misdeeds. Kouri was accused of stealing large sums of money from Eric starting in 2016. She allegedly misappropriated at least $100,000 from Eric’s bank accounts and borrowed large amounts of money on his credit cards. She had also fraudulently obtained a loan of $250,000 using a false power of attorney.

The day after Eric’s death, Kouri closed on the mansion they had argued about buying, hosting a party where she was seen celebrating. She even assaulted Eric’s sister at the party. Her actions raised eyebrows, as did her attempts to alter the beneficiary of Eric’s life insurance policy. Just days before his death, Kouri had attempted to change the beneficiary from his business partner to herself. Eric discovered this and reversed the change. After his death, Kouri claimed a total of $3,641,549.28 from Eric’s estate, citing a premarital agreement that guaranteed her a $2 million ownership interest in Eric’s stone masonry business and an additional $1.4 million for their family home, mortgage payments, construction costs, and personal property.

In a twist of fate, Kouri’s claim was challenged by Katie Richins, Eric’s sister. Katie filed a petition to disqualify Kouri from benefiting from Eric’s estate, alleging that Kouri committed a “disqualifying homicide” on Eric. The petition aimed to prevent Kouri from profiting from Eric’s death in any way.

The Drug Dealer

The case took a further turn when it was discovered that Kouri had purchased fentanyl from a local drug dealer. She claimed to have bought the drugs “for an investor who had a back injury.” But, she had placed two orders for $900 worth each and had requested a stronger dose in her second order, asking for “some of the Michael Jackson stuff.”

The luxurious home that once housed the Richins family now stands as a symbol of a life tragically cut short, a testament to the power of deception and greed. Eric’s memory lives on through his children, his businesses, and the many lives he touched through his coaching. The case continues to unfold, casting a long shadow over a life that was full of promise and a family that was torn apart by tragedy.

As the investigation progresses, the community is left to grapple with the shocking revelations and the impact of Eric’s loss. A man who took great care of himself, contributed to his community, and had no history of substance abuse, was taken away under circumstances that remain a mystery. While the investigation continues, one thing is certain: Eric Richins’ life was far more complex than it appeared, and his death has left a lasting impact on those who knew him.