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Topics: Parenting, True Crime, Books, Food and Drink
Poppy Bilderbeck
A mother who wrote a book to help her children deal with the loss of their father has been charged with his murder.
Eric Richins passed away in March 2022 at his family home in Kamas, Utah after authorities were called by his wife, Kouri Richins.
But yesterday (Monday, 8 May) Kouri was arrested and accused of poisoning her husband.
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Kouri reportedly told authorities on the day of his death, her husband had just sold a house and so she made him a vodka drink to celebrate.
The mother then allegedly went to go and check on one of the pair's children, who had become restless during the night, before returning to find her husband 'cold to the touch' in their bedroom.
It was later discovered by a medical examiner Eric had five times the lethal dosage of fentanyl - 'a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anaesthetic' as per the United States Drug Enforcement Administration - in his system.
An 'unnamed acquaintance' reportedly came forward to tell police they had supplied Kouri with fentanyl pills after the mother came to them asking for 'prescription pain medication'.
A friend of Eric's also alleged 'he thought his wife was trying to poison him,' as per court documents, after Eric became 'very ill' another night after having dinner with his wife at home.
The mother-of-three is also accused of being in possession of GHB - also known as 'date rape' drug- which is a central nervous system depressant often placed in alcoholic beverages,' as per Talk to Frank.
The arrest warrant accuses Kouri of 'intentionally or knowingly caus[ing] the death' of her husband 'by means of the administration of a poison or of any lethal substance or of any substance administered in a lethal amount, dosage, or quantity,' according to Law and Order.
Shortly after Eric's passing, Kouri wrote a children's' book called Are you with me? about dealing with grief.
The Amazon description for the book reads: "A heartwarming and reassuring book that gently guides children through the difficult experience of losing a loved one.
"Written by a loving mother who personally faced this challenge, this book is designed to offer comfort and solace to young minds in a way that is both accessible and engaging."
Just two months prior to her arrest, the mother promoted her book on local Utah TV describing Eric's death as 'unexpected'.
Eric's obituary reads: "He loved his family unconditionally, and was a devoted son, brother, and uncle.
"Eric was a family man, who always strove to be the absolute best father and husband. He was an attentive and loving father to his three children and a devoted husband to the love of his life, and wife of nine years, Kouri."
Kouri dedicated her children's novel to her 'amazing husband' who she called 'a wonderful father'.
Kouri has now been charged with aggravated murder alongside three charges of possession with intent to distribute.
Tyla has contacted Kouri' attorney, Skye Lazaro, for comment.