Kouri Richins murder trial moves to closing arguments after three weeks of testimony
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV)— Jurors within the trial of Kouri Richins are anticipated to return to court docket Monday to hear closing arguments within the high-profile case involving the dying of her husband, Eric Richins.
Richins, 35, is accused of killing her husband in 2022 by lacing his cocktail with fentanyl. She was arrested in 2023 and faces a number of prison fees, together with aggravated murder. If convicted, she may face a possible life sentence.
After almost three weeks of testimony and presentation of proof each side may have one closing alternative to current their arguments earlier than the jury begins deliberations.
MORE | Kouri Richins Murder Trial:
Jurors within the trial of Kouri Richins are anticipated to return to court docket Monday, March 16, 2026 to hear closing arguments within the high-profile case involving the dying of her husband, Eric Richins. (KUTV)
The courtroom won’t be open to the general public for Monday’s proceedings. The choose dominated the restricted seating will probably be reserved for members of the family and pals of each Kouri and Eric Richins.
One of the few instances Richins addressed the court docket got here when she formally waived her proper to testify. During a short change with the choose, Richins confirmed she understood her proper to take the stand however selected not to accomplish that following the recommendation of her attorneys.
Legal analysts stated the choice just isn’t uncommon and can’t be held in opposition to her by the jury.
Attorney Nathan Evershed, who just isn’t concerned within the case, stated placing a defendant on the stand can open the door to extra proof or questioning prosecutors could have beforehand been unable to introduce. “By putting her up on the stand, you can open the door,” Evershed stated. “She says something and all of a sudden all the stuff you were trying to keep out is coming in.”
Richins’ protection staff rested its case with out calling any witnesses, a transfer that stunned some observers.
According to Evershed, the technique seemingly indicators the protection will argue the prosecution failed to meet its burden of proof.
“They will be arguing in their closing argument that we don’t need to make a case we have nothing to provide,” he stated. “It is solely upon the prosecution to prove this beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Prosecutors known as quite a few witnesses through the trial, together with investigators and a former lover of Richins, as they sought to construct their case in opposition to her.
Defense lawyer Skye Lazaro, who can also be not concerned within the trial, stated closing arguments are sometimes essentially the most crucial stage of a case. “Closing arguments are really your last opportunity to sell the jury,” Lazaro stated. “The state gets to go first, then the defense gets to go, and the state gets the last to say because it’s their burden to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.”
With testimony now full, attorneys on each side are anticipated to current prolonged and detailed closing arguments summarizing weeks of proof.
“This is now argument,” Evershed stated. “Both sides have probably been eager to state their arguments, and it’s probably going to take all day Monday.”
Once closing arguments conclude and the choose points directions, the case will probably be handed to the jury to determine Richins’ destiny.
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