Jury Selection Kicks Off for Kouri Richins, Author Accused of Poisoning Husband

Jury selection commenced Monday in the case against Kouri Richins, a Utah mother accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric, before launching a children's book aimed at helping children cope with loss.

Richins, 35, is alleged to have administered a lethal dose of fentanyl to her husband, resulting in his unexpected death in 2022 at the age of 39. Prosecutors claim that financial troubles within Richins' real estate business and her status as the beneficiary of multiple life insurance policies on her husband provide motive for the crime.

Just a year following Eric's death, Richins appeared on television to promote her book, which she claimed was written to assist her three sons in navigating their father's passing.

In May 2023, authorities arrested Richins and charged her with murder. She has pleaded not guilty and has been denied bail several times. Additionally, she faces various financial-related charges.

Richins' legal team sought to relocate the trial, arguing that the local community's familiarity with the case would hinder her chances of receiving a fair trial. However, the judge rejected this request. Legal expert Caroline Polisi remarked that despite the case's sensational nature and widespread media coverage, prosecutors should still be able to secure an impartial jury.

"While it’s improbable that all jurors will be completely unaware of the case, it’s feasible to find at least eight jurors and four alternates who can remain unbiased," Polisi stated.

According to reports from a local news outlet, potential jurors were presented with a comprehensive 23-page questionnaire featuring 99 questions. These inquiries ranged from their news consumption habits to their television preferences and affiliations with various organizations. Nathan Evershed, a former prosecutor not involved in the case, noted that such extensive questionnaires are rare but not unheard of.

"The depth of these questions indicates they are digging into jurors' opinions and connections to victim rights groups and social media," Evershed explained. "They want detailed insights into jurors' backgrounds and perspectives."

The jury selection process is anticipated to last five days, with Richins' trial scheduled to commence on February 23.

Lisa Darden, Richins' mother, expressed unwavering confidence in her daughter's innocence during an interview with a news program. "I am a hundred percent certain she will be exonerated," Darden asserted. "Anyone who knows Kouri understands she could never commit such an act."