Breaking News:

LOCAL NEWS

Woman accused of poisoning her husband now accused of witness tampering

Sep 18, 2023, 3:09 PM | Updated: Jun 28, 2024, 9:10 am

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband then wrote a...

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband then wrote a children's book about grieving, looks on during a bail hearing Monday, June 12, 2023, in Park City, Utah. A judge ruled to keep her in custody for the duration of her trial. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)

SALT LAKE CITY — Kouri Richins, a woman accused of fatally poisoning her husband, is now accused of witness tampering after a handwritten letter was found in her jail cell.

In the six-page letter, Kouri Richins compelled her mother, Lisa Darden to provide her brother information to give a false testimony, according to prosecutors.

The State of Utah motioned for a no-contact order to “prevent the defendant from further witness tampering,” and Judge Richard Mrazik granted the order.

The letter, titled “Walk The Dog!!” instructs Kouri Richin’s mom to tell Ronald Darden to testify that Kouri Richin’s husband, Eric, was getting fentanyl from Mexico, which eventually led to his death.

It states: “Eric told [Redacted name] that he got Pain Pills and fentanyl from Mexico from the workers at the ranch,” Kouri Richins goes on to explain that Ronald Darden can “reword [the narrative] however he needs to to make the point just include it all.”

Richins states in the letter that her brother would probably have to testify to this, but “it’s super short not a lot to it.” She later explains, “it can be short and to the point but has to be done. Upon information and belief. LOL.”

Richins wanted her mom to meet with her brother Ronald Darden, in person since she worried the “house and phone are bugged.”

“Tell [redacted name] don’t overanalyze it. It was a quick 2 min. conversation. LOL Tell him I need him to do this. Bring me home and then we will get those d*** b******!”

The letter was recovered in Kouri Richin’s cell inside a book.

Kouri Richins was first arrested in May 2023 for the murder of her husband, Eric Richins. Eric Richins was found dead in 2022 of a fentanyl overdose. Kouri Richins told police that she and her husband were celebrating and she made him a mixed drink before bed the evening before he died.

Utah author arrested, accused of murdering husband

Kouri Richins is charged with first-degree felony, aggravated murder, but will not not face the death penalty if convicted.

After her husband’s death, Kouri Richins wrote a children’s book about dealing with grief after the death of a loved one. In June, a judge ordered that Richins remain in custody as the court case moves forward.

Utah author charged with murdering husband is being sued by husband’s estate

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Officers with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office stand with four new police K9s. (Salt Lake Coun...

Tamara Vaifanua

Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office welcomes new K9 units

The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office is welcoming some furry new deputies!

2 hours ago

Bikers pause at the Virgin River in St. George on April 10, 2021. Extreme drought returned to the S...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

St. George mayor gives update on water security efforts amid extreme drought

As one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, St. George has to face the challenges associated with a rapidly growing population base.

3 hours ago

A U.S. Coast Guard boat, left, and a U.S. Navy boat work near Shelter Island after a U.S. Navy plan...

Garna Mejia

Utahns witness San Diego military jet crash, service members rescued from ocean

A group of Utahns witnessed the military jet crash in the San Diego Bay on Wednesday, and they were on a private fishing boat that rescued the two service members involved.

4 hours ago

A new bill being debated this legislative session could provide hundreds of more high school kids w...

Dan Rascon

New Utah bill could provide technical education to hundreds more high school students

A new bill being debated this legislative session could open the door for hundreds of more high school kids to technical careers—before they graduate.

13 hours ago

One man is dead after police said a stabbing took place between two men in Cedar City Wednesday....

Carlysle Price and Jacob Freeman, KSL TV

One man killed in stabbing, another in police custody, deputies say

One man is dead after police said a stabbing took place between two men in Cedar City Wednesday.

14 hours ago

Snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon...

Brian Carlson

Troopers urge caution to holiday travelers as winter storms move in

An incoming storm ahead of Presidents' Day weekend could be a bad combination for holiday travelers.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Woman accused of poisoning her husband now accused of witness tampering