State delays preliminary hearing for author Kouri Richins, Utah mother

The preliminary hearing for Kouri Richins, the Utah author accused of poisoning her husband with fentanyl, has been delayed as prosecutors requested more time. The hearing, which was supposed to be the prosecution’s opportunity to prove there is enough evidence to bring Richins to trial, lasted only 15 minutes in Park City. Richins’ defense attorney mentioned that her client has been in jail for a year awaiting the preliminary hearing since her arrest in May 2023. The prosecution was expected to present exhibits to show probable cause for the trial to commence, but the judge admitted there was ambiguity and insufficient context to rule on them. Both sides were commanded to review the exhibits this week to address objections before they are submitted into the record. If brought to trial and convicted, Richins could face 25 years to life in prison. The trial has faced delays, including one caused by a document allegedly written by Richins instructing her family members on how to testify, known as the “Walk the Dog Letter.” Richins claimed the document was part of a fictional novel she is working on while in jail. Despite attempts to have the case dismissed due to violating a gag order, the motion was denied by the judge.