SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Jurors within the trial of Kouri Richins are anticipated to return to courtroom Monday to hear closing arguments within the high-profile case involving the loss of life 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 felony fees, together with aggravated murder. If convicted, she might face a possible life sentence.
After practically three weeks of testimony and presenting of proof either side could have one remaining alternative to current their arguments earlier than the jury begins deliberations.
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Jurors within the trial of Kouri Richins are anticipated to return to courtroom Monday, March 16, 2026 to hear closing arguments within the high-profile case involving the loss of life of her husband, Eric Richins. (KUTV)
The courtroom is not going to be open to the general public for Monday’s proceedings. The decide dominated the restricted seating shall be reserved for members of the family and mates of each Kouri and Eric Richins.
One of the few occasions Richins addressed the courtroom got here when she formally waived her proper to testify. During a quick alternate with the decide, Richins confirmed she understood her proper to take the stand however selected not to achieve this following the recommendation of her attorneys.
Legal analysts mentioned the choice just isn’t uncommon and can’t be held towards her by the jury.
Attorney Nathan Evershed, who just isn’t concerned within the case, mentioned placing a defendant on the stand can open the door to further proof or questioning prosecutors might have beforehand been unable to introduce. “By putting her up on the stand, you can open the door,” Evershed mentioned. “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 alerts 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 prove,” he mentioned. “It is solely upon the prosecution to prove this beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Prosecutors referred to as quite a few witnesses throughout the trial, together with investigators and a former lover of Richins, as they sought to construct their case towards her.
Defense lawyer Skye Lazaro, who can also be not concerned within the trial, mentioned closing arguments are sometimes probably the most vital stage of a case. “Closing arguments are really your last opportunity to sell the jury,” Lazaro mentioned. “The state gets to go first, then the defense gets to go, and the state gets the last say because it’s their burden to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.”
With testimony now full, attorneys on either side are anticipated to current prolonged and detailed closing arguments summarizing weeks of proof.
“This is now argument,” Evershed mentioned. “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 decide points directions, the case shall be handed to the jury to resolve Richins’ destiny.
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