SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Attorneys representing Kouri Richins, the children’s author accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl, have filed a motion requesting that her trial be moved from Summit County to Salt Lake County.
The defense argues that widespread media attention has made it impossible to secure an impartial jury in Summit County. In a motion submitted on March 17, Richins’ legal team stated that extensive news coverage—both local and national—has created a biased environment that would prevent a fair trial.
Concerns Over Publicity and Fairness
According to the motion, more than 140 articles from Summit County media outlets have focused on the case, many of which the defense claims have misrepresented facts and prejudiced public opinion. Richins’ attorneys previously requested that the jury pool be expanded to include both Summit and Salt Lake counties, but that request was denied.
Her lawyers also argue that Summit County is a small community where news spreads quickly, making it difficult to find jurors who have not been exposed to case details. A recent poll, they claim, supports their position that relocating the trial is necessary to ensure fairness.
Additionally, the motion questions the effectiveness of voir dire, the jury selection process, stating that pretrial questioning would not be enough to eliminate bias due to the intense public scrutiny surrounding the case.
Trial Background
Richins was arrested in May 2023 and faces charges of aggravated murder and attempted criminal homicide related to her husband’s death. While her defense team pushes for a change of venue, the court has yet to decide whether the trial will remain in Summit County or be moved elsewhere.
All charges remain allegations, and Richins is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt .
