A Utah judge has authorized the trial of Kouri Richins, the author of a children’s book on grief, who is accused of murdering her husband, Eric Richins. Third District Judge Richard Mrazik ruled that there is probable cause to proceed with charges of murder, attempted murder, and financial crimes against Richins, 34. The trial is scheduled to begin in late April.

Prosecutors allege that Richins attempted to poison her husband in February 2022 by drugging his Valentine’s Day sandwich, which he survived. However, 17 days later, she allegedly spiked his cocktail with a fatal dose of fentanyl, leading to his death. Richins, a mother of three, pleaded not guilty and continues to assert her innocence.

Kouri Richins (left), pictured with her husband, Eric Richins (right).

Richins’ previous defense team withdrew after accusing the Summit County Attorney’s office of recording and listening to privileged jail calls between Richins and her attorneys. The judge denied a motion to disqualify the prosecutors over these allegations. Additionally, the county attorney’s office has charged Richins with fraud and forgery related to a $2 million life insurance policy she allegedly obtained on her husband before his death.

Richins gained public attention when she published a children’s book titled “Are You With Me?” one year after her husband’s death, aimed at helping children cope with loss.