SPECIAL EPISODE: A Forensic Breakdown of the Kouri Richins Trial

In March 2022, 39-year-old Eric Richins was found unresponsive in his Utah home. His death was initially believed to be the result of a fentanyl overdose, a tragic loss for his family. But what followed would shock investigators. Eric’s wife, Kouri Richins, later published a children’s book about grief, written to help her young sons cope with the sudden loss of their father. At first glance, it seemed like a story of heartbreak and healing. Until questions began to surface. As investigators dug deeper, the case took a dramatic turn, one that would ultimately lead to charges and a high-profile trial. In this special episode of Forensic Tales, we break down the trial from a forensic perspective, examining the toxicology findings, digital evidence, and key testimony presented in court. From the prosecution’s theory to the defense’s strategy, we walk through the most critical moments that shaped this case. What did the forensic evidence really reveal? And how did it influence the outcome of the trial? Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by me, Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. Remember...not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices