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PARK CITY — After multiple delays, the preliminary hearing for Kouri Richins is scheduled to move forward at the end of August.
Richins is accused of killing her husband, Eric Richins, 39, in March 2022. He had five times a fatal dose of fentanyl in his system, according to prosecutors.
While police were investigating his death, Richins wrote a children's book about dealing with grief featuring her children. She was not charged until over a year after his death in May 2023.
On May 15, the courtroom in Park City was packed for what was scheduled to be her preliminary hearing. Her attorney at the time, Skye Lazaro, voiced an intention to object to all of the exhibits.
Deputy Summit County attorney Bradley Bloodworth said he was not prepared to argue whether these exhibits were admissible. He said they had no advance warning and the hearing was delayed.
Days later, Richins' attorneys chose to withdraw from the case, and the preliminary hearing was delayed again as newly appointed attorneys got a chance to become familiar with the trial.
One of those attorneys, Wendy Lewis, said Friday that she had discussed those exhibits with prosecutors and would be ready to move forward in a few months.
Attorneys agreed the hearing could last two or three days, and 3rd District Judge Richard Mrazik scheduled it on Aug. 26, 27 and 28.
During a preliminary hearing, a judge determines whether there is enough evidence to order a defendant to stand trial.
Richins is charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder, first-degree felonies; two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of insurance fraud and two counts of mortgage fraud, second-degree felonies; and three counts of forgery, a third-degree felony.
