Kouri Richins, 35, is facing nearly three dozen criminal charges, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, and fraud, after prosecutors accused her of killing her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022. The case has drawn national attention due to her prior publication of a children’s book, Are You With Me?, about a father with angel wings watching over his son following death.

According to the Associated Press, prosecutors claim Richins administered a lethal dose of fentanyl in her husband’s drink, after a previous alleged attempt on Valentine’s Day involving a fentanyl-laced sandwich. Prosecutors argue her motive was financial, noting she was approximately $4.5 million in debt and stood to benefit from life insurance policies totaling nearly $2 million. Summit County Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth told the jury that Richins also had a romantic involvement with another man and sought to leave her marriage while securing access to her husband’s estate.

Court filings presented evidence including text messages with her alleged paramour discussing fantasies of divorcing Eric Richins and acquiring his wealth, as well as online searches on topics such as “luxury prisons for the rich” and law enforcement procedures. Prosecutors argue these materials demonstrate planning and intent.

Richins’ defense maintains that Eric Richins’ death could have been an accidental overdose and urged jurors to await the full presentation of her side of the story.

The trial is ongoing and is scheduled to continue through March 26. If convicted on the aggravated murder charge alone, Richins could face 25 years to life in prison. The broader case includes counts of attempted murder, forgery, mortgage fraud, and insurance fraud, reflecting the alleged financial and personal motives underpinning the prosecution’s case.