Author of grief book accused of husband’s murder.

Mother Charged with Murder After Writing Children’s Book on Grief

A Shocking Crime

Kouri Darden Richins, a 33-year-old mother of three from Kamas, Utah, has been charged with the murder of her husband, Eric. The shocking crime has left many stunned, especially since Kouri had recently written a children’s book on grief after her husband’s death.

The Allegations

According to reports, Kouri allegedly poisoned her husband with fentanyl, a controlled substance, which she had purchased for $900. Police responded to Kouri’s 911 call on March 4, 2022, and found Eric dead at the scene. An autopsy revealed that he had five times the lethal dosage of fentanyl in his system.

The Investigation

Police began investigating Eric’s death immediately and obtained a search warrant for Kouri’s phone and computers. They quickly found messages between her and an “unnamed acquaintance,” from whom Kouri allegedly bought the drugs to poison her husband. Investigators also discovered that Kouri had attempted to make herself the sole beneficiary on a life insurance policy Eric held jointly with his business partner just two months before his death.

A Tragic History

It appears that Eric had long suspected his wife of trying to kill him. Years earlier, during a vacation in Greece, Eric called one of his sisters to tell her Kouri had made him a drink that made him violently ill. In January 2022, just two months before Eric died, Kouri attempted to make herself the sole beneficiary on a life insurance policy Eric held jointly with his business partner. Eric then removed Kouri from his will and added his sister as a beneficiary to ensure the money he left behind when he died went to his children.

A Shocking Twist

The day after Eric died, Kouri closed on a $2 million home she wanted to flip. Eric hadn’t wanted to purchase the home, reportedly saying it was too expensive. While celebrating the closing, Kouri allegedly assaulted one of Eric’s sisters who went to the home while Kouri was throwing a party for the closing.

A Tragic Irony

A little over a year after Eric died, Kouri published a children’s book called “Are You With Me?” to help children cope with losing a loved one. The irony of the situation is not lost on those who knew the couple.

The Aftermath

Kouri has been charged with aggravated murder and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The case is ongoing, and Kouri has yet to enter a plea. The tragedy has left many wondering how someone who wrote a book on grief could commit such a heinous crime.

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