Witness recants fentanyl claim in Utah murder trial
A key witness in the Utah prosecution of Kouri Richins has walked back testimony that he supplied fentanyl allegedly used to poison her husband, a reversal prosecutors say is central to their case. The defense motion — filed by attorney Kathryn Nester (who was also recently contracted in the Tyler Robinson matter) — cites the recantation in asking a court to reconsider bail and argues the state can no longer prove fentanyl was placed in the victim’s drink. Richins faces multiple felony counts, including aggravated murder and distribution of a controlled substance, over the March 3, 2022 death of her husband Eric Richins.
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Crime
📌 Key Facts
- Robert Crozier, the prosecution's star witness, now says he never sold fentanyl and only supplied OxyContin, and claims he does not recall making the prior statement that implicated Richins.
- Kathryn Nester was contracted by Utah County on Sept. 24, 2025 to represent Tyler Robinson and is also associated by prior appointment with Richins' defense; she filed a bail-reconsideration motion referencing Crozier's recantation.
- Kouri Richins is charged with aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, distribution of a controlled substance, and related counts; prosecutors allege she poisoned her husband to collect approximately $1.9 million in life-insurance proceeds.