KAMAS, UTAH: Kouri Richins, the children’s book author accused of murdering her husband, has now reportedly sued his estate, claiming her share in it. Kouri Richins is currently in custody awaiting trial for allegedly killing her husband Eric Richins for ulterior financial motives. The murder was committed using a lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022. Kouri has been charged with criminal homicide, aggravated murder, and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
The 33-year-old is currently being held at the Summit County Jail. According to ABC4 Utah, Kouri filed the lawsuit against her dead husband’s estate on June 9 while citing their prenup. The two reportedly signed the contract in June 2013 that mentioned many financial deals for their marriage. But it did say that Kouri won't get Eric’s half-owned business, C&E Stone Masonry, LLC. if they get divorced. However, the lawsuit noted that she can now claim it since he died while the two were together.
Kouri Richins asserts she has rights over Eric’s house
However before his death, the 39-year-old reportedly transferred his business to the Eric Richins Living Trust. Also, he sold his share of the business to his work partner, Cody Wright, for $2 million. But as per the suit, Kouri has now demanded her rights to the proceeds from the sale of the business.
Besides this, the accused has also claimed her rights to her and Eric’s house called ‘the Family Home’. Though in their prenup, there was no mention of the house, Kouri has stated in her lawsuit that it means that she has equal rights over it. She also pointed out her apparent investment in the house, like the down payment, a swimming pool, and the property's fencing.
Not just that, the alleged killer wife of Eric has also declared her rights over the Eric Richins Living Trust, which was launched in November 2020. According to her, it was started to support her and their children in the case of her husband’s death.
‘This will complies with the prenuptial agreement’
Eric had made a will before he died and according to the civil suit as reported by ABC4 Utah, he stated in it that all of his estate should go to the Trust. The suit added that in his will Eric wrote, “This will complies with the prenuptial agreement my wife and I signed on June 15, 2013.”
However, Katie Richins, Eric's sister and the representative of his estate, has objected to Kouri’s demands. She has even filed a petition against the accused to remove her from the estate but no action can reportedly be taken unless she's found guilty.