Are You With Me? The Sick Case of Kouri Richins

Chip Mahoney
3 min readMay 16, 2023

A Gripping Tale of Accusations and the Lethal Grip of Fentanyl

In a quiet Utah town, the tranquil facade was shattered by a shocking crime that sent shockwaves through the community. The accused, Kouri Richins, a name once associated with a book on grief, now finds herself at the center of a chilling murder investigation. The case unravels a web of intrigue and highlights the devastating power of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has become a deadly force in today’s society.

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Kouri Richins, a seemingly ordinary woman in the world of real estate, now stands accused of a heinous crime — poisoning her own husband, Eric Richins. The couple’s once idyllic life has been shattered, replaced by suspicion, and a dark cloud of alleged betrayal hangs over their story. As details emerge, the case takes on an eerie complexity, revealing the depths of human desperation and the fatal consequences it can bring. Kouri had a lot to gain from her husband’s death. Insurance money, the fame that comes with authoring a book that resonates with readers — a book on grief she could only claim after her husband died. She also could close the chapter on her rumored affairs and a mansion in Midway, Utah she desperately wanted to flip for millions.

The Lethal Grip of Fentanyl:

At the heart of this tragedy lies the deadly substance known as fentanyl. A drug intended for legitimate medical purposes, fentanyl has permeated the illicit drug market, wreaking havoc with its potent and lethal effects. It is a chilling reminder of how a substance developed to alleviate pain can be twisted into a weapon of destruction.

Fentanyl, with its staggering potency that surpasses that of morphine, has become a public health crisis. A few grains of this synthetic opioid, smaller than a grain of sand, can spell the difference between life and death. Its ability to induce euphoria and suppress pain is equally matched by its potential for addiction, overdose, and fatality. The consequences of even the slightest miscalculation are unforgiving.

[Watch what happens when a cop is exposed to Fentanyl]

As investigators delve into the layers of this complex case, the narrative unfolds, offering a glimpse into the lives of Kouri and Eric Richins. What drove Kouri to allegedly take such drastic measures? Was there an affair as suspected, or were there deeper motivations lurking beneath the surface? The haunting question of why lingers in the minds of those who follow this chilling tale. Certainly, she was able to garner a small amount of fame with the promotion of her book about grief. The book is called Are You With Me? And the answer today is No; Eric is not with you because you killed him. Readers are not with you because you betrayed them. No one is with you now other than a defense attorney. (Utah does have the death penalty but it likely won’t be on the table just like it wasn’t on the table in the Lori Vallow case.)

The story of Kouri Richins and the accusations surrounding her husband’s death is a chilling reminder of the depths to which desperation can drive a person. It also serves as a stark warning of the devastating power of fentanyl, an opioid that has become synonymous with tragedy and loss. As the case unfolds, society is left grappling with the complexities of human nature, the fragility of trust, and the profound consequences of our choices.

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