PARK CITY, the boyfriend of Kouri Richins, the Utah mother accused of killing her husband with a fentanyl overdose, testified Wednesday about their relationship and private text messages, offering jurors a glimpse into her personal life in the months leading up to Eric Richins’ death.
Robert Josh Grossman, who was romantically involved with Richins before and after her husband’s death in March 2022, read through dozens of text messages exchanged between them. At times, he lowered his head or wiped away tears as their private conversations were displayed in court.
Less than a month before Eric Richins died, Richins asked Grossman: “If I was divorced right now and ask you to marry me tomorrow, you would?” Grossman replied: “Yes. In Love with Y O U! Of course I would.” Days later, she texted that she wanted a future with him, writing: “If he could just go away and you could just be here! Life would be so perfect!!!”
A Relationship in Focus
Grossman testified that he first met Richins in South Carolina around 2017, where they worked together flipping homes. Their romantic relationship began in 2020 after he moved to Utah to continue helping her with real estate projects. He said he lived in the homes she was renovating and was occasionally paid for his work.
“I loved her, and I think she loved me as well,” Grossman told jurors. He acknowledged that their relationship was complicated, with Richins often apologizing for not spending enough time with him. In one December 2021 message, she wrote: “I really enjoy my relationship and love for you.. but (you’re) right.. we both know this love triangle can’t go on forever. You don’t deserve it, I don’t deserve you. I can’t expect you to sit around for the day the trigger gets pulled.”
Grossman also recalled conversations about Richins’ ambitions. She told him she wanted to purchase homes in Park City, describing it as a “HUGE deal.” She said she grew up cleaning houses for wealthy families there and had promised herself she would one day own those properties.
On Jan. 9, 2022, Richins asked Grossman if he had used drugs other than marijuana and how recently, a line of questioning prosecutors suggest may connect to their broader theory of her involvement with illicit substances.
Why the Testimony Matters
Prosecutors argue Grossman’s testimony is vital because it helps establish motive. They allege Richins wanted to leave her marriage, start a new life with Grossman, and benefit financially from her husband’s death through insurance payouts. The texts, they say, show intent and premeditation.
Grossman’s emotional testimony also humanizes the prosecution’s case, moving beyond toxicology reports and financial records to illustrate what investigators describe as Richins’ desire to escape her marriage.
Defense Challenges
Defense attorneys have pushed back, requesting a mistrial earlier in the week over concerns about another witness Richins’ housekeeper who testified she had purchased drugs for Richins. The defense argued the housekeeper violated drug court rules, undermining her credibility.
They maintain that the state’s case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and insist Richins is being unfairly portrayed. Attorneys have argued that inconsistencies in witness testimony raise doubts about the prosecution’s narrative.
Charges and Trial Status
Richins faces charges of aggravated murder, attempted criminal homicide, insurance fraud and forgery. Prosecutors allege she slipped a lethal dose of fentanyl into a drink she prepared for her husband.
The trial, now in its second week, has already featured testimony from Eric Richins’ family members, medical experts, and witnesses tied to alleged drug purchases. The case has drawn national attention not only because of the allegations but also because Richins later published a children’s book about coping with grief.
What Comes Next
With Grossman’s testimony now on record, the prosecution has strengthened its case around motive and intent. The defense continues to challenge witness credibility and procedural fairness, pressing for reasonable doubt.
The trial is expected to continue into next week, with additional witnesses scheduled before closing arguments. Jurors will ultimately decide whether prosecutors have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Richins killed her husband in pursuit of a new life and financial gain.
