Kouri Richins, the Kamas mother of three who was found guilty of killing her husband, Eric Richins, will be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole on what would have been his 44th birthday.
Defense attorneys earlier this month asked Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik to move the court date from May 13 to the week of June 15, citing the need for additional time. The Summit County Attorney’s Office opposed changing the date, and Mrazik agreed in his Monday ruling.
The judge cited an unredacted version of the prosecutor’s court filing opposing a continuance, which described in “compelling detail the effect that a delay of sentencing would have” on the couple’s sons. Mrazik said the children “would endure significant prejudice if the sentencing hearing is continued beyond its current setting.”
In a public version of the prosecutors’ reply, they said there is “no good reason” for the Richins family to suffer further delays.
“For three years, Eric Richins’ family has painfully and patiently stood by as the defendant has manufactured one reason after another to delay this proceeding,” court documents stated.
Defense attorneys Wendy Lewis, Kathy Nester and Alexander Ramos said they wanted to “properly research and prepare mitigation evidence and witnesses” for Kouri and cited additional scheduling conflicts due to a death in one of the lawyers’ families and a separate trial.
Mrazik said the defense failed to explain why it needed more time to prepare, as Kouri previously waived her right to be sentenced within five days and was given almost two months after being found guilty of five felonies on March 16. The judge also said she has two other attorneys who can represent her at the sentencing hearing if one is unavailable.
Utah law permits the defendant the opportunity to “make a statement and to present any information in mitigation of punishment,” while also affording victims the right to “speedy disposition of the charges free from unwarranted delay” caused by the defendant.
“Accordingly, because Defendant has not provided reasons sufficient to justify continuing the sentencing hearing, and because the victims have an interest in a speedy disposition of this case, Defendant’s motion is respectfully denied,” the ruling stated.
Mrazik also confirmed he has open availability on May 13 to ensure “all interested parties have ample opportunity to be heard.”
A Summit County jury after a two-week trial found Kouri guilty of fatally poisoning Eric with a lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022. She was convicted of five felony charges: aggravated murder, attempted homicide, two counts of insurance fraud, and forgery.
Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty in the case. She faces a prison sentence of 25 years to life, with or without the possibility of parole.