Richins seeks new trial after conviction in Summit County murder case

Kouri Richins asked Summit County’s 3rd District Court for a new trial, reopening the case that ended with a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Any change now depends on a different judge because the original trial judge has stepped aside.

Third District Judge Richard Mrazik recused himself from ruling on the motion because the allegations created an apparent conflict of interest and he should not decide it. That means the next step is not a new trial itself, but another judge reviewing whether Richins has shown enough trial error to set aside the verdict or order new proceedings.

Richins was convicted in March 2026 of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, two counts of fraudulent insurance claims and forgery. She was sentenced on May 13, 2026, to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Her lawyers now argue that the trial was tainted by irregularities, cumulative error, judicial bias in favor of the state and the use of extensive financial-crime evidence that went beyond earlier rulings.

The defense argues that Mrazik repeatedly interrupted and corrected attorneys in front of the jury, creating the impression that Richins’ lawyers were mishandling witnesses and leaving an appearance of bias. Prosecutors alleged that Richins poisoned Eric Richins with fentanyl for financial gain, and the jury heard evidence about life insurance policies and alleged financial misconduct connected to her work as a real estate agent.

The Utah Supreme Court declined to review Richins’ effort to move the trial out of Summit County, and prosecutors later sought new trial dates before the March verdict. Richins also filed a notice of appeal on May 26, 2026, and the case was referred to the Utah Court of Appeals the following day.

Richins’ request gives her another chance to attack the conviction, but it does not undo the verdict, the sentence or the separate appeal already underway. Eric Richins died on March 4, 2022, in Kamas, and Kouri Richins was not arrested until more than a year later.