If you’ve typed “Kouri Richins ex husband” into Google lately, you’re not alone. The name Eric Richins has been everywhere since his wife was just convicted of his murder. What started as a tragic overdose story quickly turned into one of the most talked-about true crime cases in Utah history. On March 16, 2026, a jury found Kouri Richins guilty of poisoning her husband Eric with a lethal dose of fentanyl. Here’s the full, easy-to-follow breakdown of who Eric really was, how he died, and why the case gripped the nation.
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Who Was Eric Richins? The Devoted Father and Entrepreneur
Eric Richins was the kind of man people described as steady, hardworking, and always present for his family. Born on May 13, 1982, he grew up in Utah as the oldest of three siblings. By the time he met Kouri, Eric had built a solid life as a successful entrepreneur and businessman. Friends and family remember him as an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time with his three young sons.
He married Kouri on June 15, 2013, and the couple settled in Kamas, Utah. For nearly nine years they raised their boys together. Eric’s family has always spoken warmly about him — calling him a “devoted father” who hoped to keep his family intact no matter what. Tragically, he never got the chance to watch his sons grow up. At just 39 years old, Eric’s life ended far too soon, leaving behind a loving family and an estate reportedly worth more than $4 million.
- Hardworking businessman and entrepreneur
- Avid outdoorsman who cherished family time
- Father of three sons with Kouri
- Known for being reliable and present
The Mysterious Death of Kouri Richins’ Husband
On the night of March 3–4, 2022, Eric Richins drank a Moscow Mule cocktail prepared at home. Hours later, Kouri called 911 saying she found him unresponsive in their bedroom. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but Eric was pronounced dead from a fentanyl overdose — five times the lethal dose.
Prosecutors later revealed this wasn’t the first attempt. On Valentine’s Day 2022, Eric had blacked out after eating a sandwich Kouri allegedly laced with fentanyl. He even told friends he felt like he was “going to die.” Cell phone data placed Kouri’s associates near a gas station multiple times in early 2022 to buy illicit pills. The official story Kouri told police simply didn’t add up once investigators dug deeper.
Kouri Richins’ Double Life: Affair, Debt & the Grief Book That Backfired
While Eric focused on family, Kouri — a real estate agent who flipped houses — was quietly drowning in debt. Court records showed her business had a negative net worth of about $1.6 million. She had secretly taken out multiple life insurance policies on Eric totaling roughly $2 million, some with forged signatures.
Texts read in court painted an even darker picture. Kouri had been having an affair with her ex-boyfriend Robert Josh Grossman. In emotional messages, she talked about leaving Eric but keeping his money, fantasizing about a new life. Her phone searches included “what is a lethal dose of fentanyl,” “luxury prisons,” and questions about poisoning death certificates.
Then came the book. After Eric’s death, Kouri wrote and promoted a children’s book about grief to help their sons cope. She appeared on local TV talking about healing — all while investigators say she was the one who caused the pain. The book became a symbol of the case: a grieving widow… or something far more calculated?
The 2026 Trial, Key Evidence & Guilty Verdict
The trial that began in February 2026 lasted just over two weeks. Prosecutors presented dozens of text messages, cell phone location data, and testimony from the ex-boyfriend who broke down on the stand. A forensic accountant detailed Kouri’s financial desperation. Even a jailhouse letter where Kouri tried to shift blame onto Eric was shown to the jury.
On March 16, 2026, after less than three hours of deliberation, the jury delivered the verdict: guilty on all charges — aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery, and insurance fraud. Eric’s sister Amy Richins stepped outside the courthouse and said, “Honestly I feel like we’re all in shock… We got justice for my brother.” The family can finally focus on honoring Eric and supporting his sons.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026 — the date Eric would have turned 44.
Key Facts About Kouri Richins Ex Husband Eric Richins
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric Richins |
| Birth Date | May 13, 1982 |
| Age at Death | 39 |
| Death Date | March 4, 2022 |
| Cause of Death | Fentanyl poisoning (5x lethal dose) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur & businessman |
| Marriage to Kouri | June 15, 2013 (9 years) |
| Children | Three sons |
| Estate Value | Over $4 million |
| Verdict Date | March 16, 2026 (Kouri found guilty) |
| Sentencing Date | May 13, 2026 |
Conclusion: Justice for Eric and a Family Healing
The conviction of Kouri Richins brings a painful chapter to a close, but it doesn’t erase the loss felt by Eric’s loved ones. What began as a search for answers about “Kouri Richins ex husband” has revealed a heartbreaking story of betrayal, financial pressure, and a man who simply wanted to keep his family together. Eric Richins’ memory lives on through his sons and the family now free to honor him without the cloud of uncertainty.
If you’re researching this case for the first time, remember the real victim at the center: a devoted dad taken too soon. Justice has been served, and the Richins family can finally begin to heal.
Last Updated: March 17, 2026
This story continues to evolve, so bookmark this page for any future updates. What are your thoughts on the verdict? Feel free to share in the comments below.