Children's book author sentenced to life without parole for husband’s murder

Kouri Richins, the Utah children’s author convicted of murdering her husband after publishing a grief-themed book, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The sentence was delivered on May 13 2026, by Judge Richard Mrazik in Utah’s 3rd District Court in Park City. The sentencing date coincided with what would have been Eric Richins’ 44th birthday.

Richins was convicted in March 2026 on charges including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud and forgery in connection with the 2022 death of her husband.

Prosecutors said Eric Richins died after consuming a Moscow Mule allegedly laced with fentanyl at the couple’s home near Park City in March 2022.

Court documents stated the drink contained nearly five times the amount considered a lethal dose.

Richins was also convicted of attempting to poison her husband earlier that year with a fentanyl-laced sandwich on Valentine’s Day.

During the sentencing hearing, victim impact statements from the couple’s three sons were read aloud in court by social workers.

According to statements presented during proceedings, the children expressed concerns about their mother ever being released from prison.

One son stated, “You took away my dad for no reason other than greed,” while asking the court to keep her imprisoned permanently.

Richins addressed the court for nearly 30 minutes and maintained her innocence throughout the hearing. Speaking to her children, she said, “Please just don’t give up on me. I promise you, boys, one day it will be over.”

Judge Mrazik imposed the maximum sentence available, stating Richins was “simply too dangerous to ever be free”.

The case gained national attention after Richins self-published the children’s book Are You With Me? in 2023. The book focused on helping children process grief following the loss of a parent.

Prosecutors argued during the trial that Richins was motivated by financial difficulties and access to more than $4 million in insurance and estate assets. Her legal team has stated they intend to appeal both the conviction and sentence.