‘It’s been a long time coming’: Family of Eric Richins speak on Kouri’s guilty verdict

Kouri Richins has been found guilty of killing her husband, Eric Richins, in 2022, using fentanyl. Following the verdict, Eric’s family spoke on what this verdict means to them.

Kouri Richins was charged with aggravated murder, possession with intent to distribute, attempted aggravated murder, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, and forgery. She was accused of killing her husband in 2022 for his life insurance policy.

After his death, she also wrote a children’s book about grief.

The murder trial started in February 2026, and over the course of three weeks, the court heard testimony from those who know Kouri and Eric, investigators, and experts.

On Monday afternoon, after several hours of deliberation and staying late to discuss the evidence, the jury reached a verdict. They found Richins guilty on all counts.

The family of Eric Richins spoke on what this verdict means to them. When the verdicts were read in the courtroom, several members were visibly heartbroken over the loss of Eric.

Following the verdict, Eric’s sister provided a statement on the verdict.

Family of Eric Richins spoke on the guilty verdict. Courtesy: Abigail Jones//KTVX

“We are grateful for everyone who was working tirelessly to bring justice for Eric,” she said, adding that her family misses him every single day. “Our focus is now on honoring Eric’s life and supporting his boys, as we all continue to heal.”

She continued that she is still in shock from the verdict, but that “it’s been a long time coming…[We’re] just very happy that she got what was coming.”

One of Eric’s cousins added that this has been very difficult. She said, “It’s been rough to relive it. It’s one thing to have someone to die and then a year later to have the circumstance kind of flip and you have to deal with that again.”

Family of Eric Richins spoke on the guilty verdict. Courtesy: Jake White//KTVX

His cousins continued that they were all there for Eric’s more immediate family and to remember the life lost. One said, “Eric did a lot for everybody. He was my cousin. I miss him every day, think of him every day, love him…. He was just a great human.”

Kouri Richins’ sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. May 13 is Eric Richins’s birthday.