Kouri Richins will be allowed to continue speaking to her mother and brother after a Summit County judge on Friday denied a motion for a no-contact order.
Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik said he was disinclined to prevent the Kamas mother of three who has been charged with the murder of her husband, Eric Richins, after his death last March from speaking with her family. The judge ruled there was not enough evidence to restrict her speech and cited her First Amendment right.
Mrazik indicated there were several plausible readings of the “Walk the Dog” letter, which prosecutors alleged was an attempt to tamper witnesses, and that no threats were made thus there isn’t enough reason to justify restricting her speech. Mrazik also cited recording devices and other processes in the Summit County Jail that allow prosecutors to monitor the defendant.
Defense Attorney Skye Lazaro said on Friday the jail recently determined Kouri violated inmate rules and prohibited her from contacting her mother.
Mrazik also denied the defense’s motion to dismiss the trial for prosecutorial misconduct. Lazaro argued the Summit County Attorney’s Office violated professional conduct rules by releasing the “Walk the Dog” letter, impacting Kouri’s right to a fair trial.
The judge determined the case had already received immense media attention before the letter was released. Mrazik said he was confident the court could preside over the case and ensure Kouri has a fair trial.
However, he did state there would need to be a lengthy jury selection process to ensure the prospective pool has not been tainted.
This is a developing article. It will be updated.