The explosive revelations in the ongoing murder trial of Kouri Richins have intensified scrutiny on the Utah mother and children’s book author, as her former boyfriend publicly detailed their romantic relationship on the witness stand and a three-page divorce agreement she prepared has emerged as key prosecution evidence. The developments, unfolding in the Summit County courtroom near Park City in early March 2026, paint a picture of a secretive affair, financial pressures, and marital discord that prosecutors argue motivated the February 2022 death of her husband, Eric Richins.

Kouri Richins, 35 at the time of her arrest, stands accused of aggravated murder for allegedly poisoning Eric with a lethal dose of fentanyl slipped into a Moscow mule cocktail he consumed at their Kamas home. She has pleaded not guilty, maintaining that Eric’s death was accidental or unrelated to her actions. The trial, now in its third week as of mid-March 2026, has featured emotional testimony, text message exchanges, and financial records that prosecutors say reveal a woman desperate to escape a troubled marriage without losing significant assets.

Central to the latest courtroom drama is Robert Josh Grossman, the man described as Kouri’s boyfriend both before and after Eric’s death. Grossman took the stand in early March, visibly emotional as he recounted their yearslong relationship. He testified that he first met Kouri in South Carolina after responding to a help-wanted ad for a house-flipping project she was managing. Their connection grew professional at first, but turned romantic around early 2020 when he relocated to Utah to work with her more closely. Grossman described moving into one of her flip properties and receiving financial support from Kouri, including the purchase of a truck.

Under questioning, Grossman admitted he was deeply in love with Kouri. He confirmed reading aloud affectionate text messages from late 2021 and early 2022, including one where Kouri hypothetically asked if he would marry her if she were divorced immediately. His response: “Yes. In Love with Y O U! Of course I would.” Another exchange showed Kouri expressing a desire for a future together, lamenting Eric’s presence as an obstacle. Grossman grew tearful recalling these exchanges, particularly those from the period immediately before and after Eric’s death on March 4, 2022. He described their continued involvement post-death, which ended in a falling out around early 2023 amid shifting dynamics and disagreements.

Prosecutors presented these texts as evidence of motive, suggesting Kouri envisioned a life with Grossman free from her husband. Grossman acknowledged the prenuptial agreement that limited Kouri’s potential divorce settlement, reinforcing the narrative that she felt “trapped” in the marriage. Friends and associates had previously testified that Kouri complained about financial constraints and marital unhappiness, with some noting her fear of what a divorce would entail given the couple’s shared real estate ventures and three young children.

Compounding the affair testimony is the three-page divorce agreement that surfaced during the trial. Prosecutors introduced this document as a critical piece of evidence, arguing it demonstrates Kouri’s premeditated intent to end the marriage on favorable terms. The short, straightforward agreement—drafted by Kouri herself—outlined proposed asset divisions and custody arrangements that would have benefited her significantly compared to the existing prenup. Testimony from divorce attorneys who consulted with both Eric and Kouri separately in 2020 and 2021 revealed that neither pursued filing, but the document suggests Kouri was actively planning an exit strategy.

One attorney testified that Eric had explored estate planning to protect assets for the children, possibly in response to marital strains. Prosecutors linked this to broader financial troubles: Kouri allegedly faced millions in debt from real estate loans and business ventures, with Eric’s death allowing her access to life insurance and property without the complications of divorce proceedings. The agreement’s brevity and self-drafted nature have been highlighted as unusual, potentially indicating haste or desperation.

The trial has also featured testimony about Eric’s final hours. Prosecutors allege Kouri prepared the fatal drink, knowing fentanyl’s potency. Toxicology reports confirmed a lethal level in Eric’s system, far exceeding accidental ingestion. Defense arguments have focused on circumstantial evidence, questioning witness credibility and suggesting alternative explanations for Eric’s death, possibly tied to his own activities or external factors.

Community reactions in the Kamas area remain divided. Kouri, once known for her children’s book on grief written after Eric’s death, now faces intense public scrutiny. Supporters point to her role as a mother and her claims of innocence, while others see the accumulated evidence—texts, the affair, financial motives, and the divorce draft—as damning.

As testimony wrapped in mid-March 2026, both sides rested their cases after the prosecution recalled certain witnesses for further cross-examination. The defense waived calling additional witnesses, including Kouri herself, who formally declined to testify. Closing arguments and jury instructions are anticipated soon, with the trial expected to conclude by late March.

This high-profile case has spotlighted issues of domestic finances, hidden relationships, and the opioid crisis in suburban Utah. Whatever the verdict, the revelations about Kouri’s relationship with Grossman and her proactive divorce planning have shifted the narrative from a grieving widow to a woman allegedly orchestrating a path to freedom at any cost. The jury now holds the weight of deciding if these elements prove premeditated murder or merely coincidence in a complicated life.