Kouri Richins sentenced to life without parole for murder of husband

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]We're going to make a turn now to an emotional day in court where a Utah mom convicted of fatally poisoning her husband was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Kouri Richins broke down in tears as she spoke directly to her sons. Carter Evans joins us. Now Carter, it was the first time we've heard her speak in court throughout this entire process.

[00:00:21]That's right, Mac. Good morning. While she did not take the stand, Kouri Richins did speak in court yesterday for roughly 30 minutes. She was reading aloud a letter to her three sons. The judge sentenced her to life in prison without parole deciding Richins' sons would be better off with their mother behind bars.

[00:00:38]The court hereby sentences you to life without parole. A judge sealing the fate of Utah mother Kouri Richins who was convicted of killing her husband Eric Richins with a fatal dose of fentanyl in 2022. A person convicted of those things is simply too dangerous to ever be free.

[00:00:58]The mother of three didn't hide her feelings in court on Wednesday at times rolling her eyes, making facial expressions, and also breaking down in tears as she spoke directly to her sons.

[00:01:10]You may think you hate me and that's okay.

[00:01:13]When the day comes that you're ready, I will be here for you. Every minute of every day I miss you boys more and more. Social workers read powerful statements on behalf of Richins' sons who were nine, seven, and five when their father died.

[00:01:29]I want her to go to prison forever.

[00:01:32]If she got out, I would be so scared.

[00:01:34]You only cared about yourself and your stupid boyfriends.

[00:01:38]I miss my dad, but I do not miss how my life used to be. I don't miss Kouri.

[00:01:43]Richins has always maintained her innocence. I will not be blamed for something I did not do. Skyler Azar represented Richins up until 2024. Life without the possibility of parole. Did you expect that? I'm not surprised by the decision of the court. It is a harsh sentence and it does not give her the ability to ever get out and make any retributions to society. I don't think she had any remorse. Eric Richins' sister Amy spoke outside court yesterday, which would have been her brother's 44th birthday. The verdict and the sentence speak louder than any misinformation ever could.

[00:02:24]Through it all, we have honored Eric with dignity, patience, and truth.

[00:02:30]Now, Richins' defense team said in court they intend to file an appeal and a motion for a new trial. The three boys are now in the care of Eric's other sister, Katie, and her husband, Adriana.

[00:02:41]Oh, boy, Carter, thank you so much.