Home / Crime and Justice / Mom accused of poisoning husband for lover faces trial
Mom accused of poisoning husband for lover faces trial
26 Feb
Summary
- Kouri Richins is on trial for allegedly killing her husband with fentanyl.
- Prosecutors presented texts of Richins planning a trip with her lover.
- The lover, Josh Grossmann, is a transient with outstanding warrants.
The murder trial of Kouri Richins commenced this week in Park City, Utah. Prosecutors allege Richins, a mother of three, fatally poisoned her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl slipped into a cocktail in 2022. Opening statements revealed intimate text messages exchanged between Richins and her lover, Josh Grossmann, including plans for a Caribbean vacation and fantasies of a shared future.
Evidence presented includes messages where Richins expressed her love for Grossmann and contemplated divorce, though she ultimately did not proceed. Grossmann, an Iraq war veteran, has since become transient, facing multiple legal issues including outstanding warrants, making his current whereabouts uncertain for trial testimony. Prosecutors also highlighted Richins's significant financial debts as a potential motive.
The prosecution is building its case on testimony from witnesses like housekeeper Carmen Lauber, who allegedly sold Richins the fentanyl pills. Richins's defense contends there is no proof of poisoning and suggests a family vendetta against her. The trial at the Summit County Courthouse is anticipated to continue for five weeks.
