A grieving widow becomes the prime suspect in her husband's mysterious overdose, sparking a tangled web of love, loss, and suspicion. As the aftermath unfolds, secrets of deceit and financial manipulation surface, revealing a marriage fraught with betrayal. The investigation reveals alarming autopsy results and incriminating online searches, raising questions about foul play. Legal battles ensue, highlighting the emotional turmoil faced by their children amidst a high-profile murder case, while the complexities of domestic violence and financial abuse are explored.
01:03:51
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The sudden death of Eric Richens from an overdose led to a reopened murder investigation fueled by financial motives linked to his wife, Kouri.
Suspicious behaviors exhibited by Kouri Richens, including lashing out at family members and efforts to manipulate testimonies, raised serious concerns about her involvement.
Evidence of Kouri's potential premeditation emerges through past incidents suggesting intentional harm, including concerning allergic reactions and unexplained illnesses.
Deep dives
The Tragic Overdose of Eric Richens
Eric Richens died suddenly from an accidental fentanyl overdose, shocking friends and family who knew him as a healthy individual. On the night of his death, he and his wife, Corey, were celebrating a significant real estate purchase. Corey reported that they enjoyed drinks together before she put their children to bed. The emerging investigation raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Eric's death, particularly the presence of fentanyl and another unprescribed medication in his system.
Corey's Suspicious Behavior After Eric's Death
Following Eric's death, Corey Richens exhibited behavior that raised suspicions among Eric’s family. Just three days later, an incident occurred involving a locksmith and a safe containing cash and documents that revealed Eric had established a trust fund for his sister, instead of Corey. This discovery led Corey to lash out physically at one of Eric's sisters during a family gathering, resulting in legal consequences for her. Such actions prompted Eric’s family to investigate further and question the authenticity of Corey’s claims of grief.
Financial Motives and Infidelity
Investigators uncovered that Corey had serious financial motives behind Eric's death, including undisclosed life insurance policies totaling over $2 million that named her as the beneficiary. Reports indicated that she amassed significant debt, with recent financial transactions suggesting she had forged Eric's signature to access funds and loans without his consent. Additionally, a private investigator revealed that Corey was involved with another man while being married to Eric, further complicating the couple's financial and personal turmoil. These factors indicated that Corey might have seen Eric as a hindrance to her lifestyle and financial ambitions.
Proving Premeditation Through Past Incidents
There were several troubling incidents leading up to Eric's death that hinted at Corey's potential intentions to harm him. One incident occurred while the couple vacationed in Greece, where Eric became extremely ill shortly after consuming a drink handed to him by Corey. A serious allergic reaction from a sandwich Corey made for him on Valentine's Day also raised red flags when he required an EpiPen. Eric reportedly informed his family that he believed Corey intended to poison him, raising questions about her actions and suggesting a pattern of premeditation.
The Ongoing Legal Battle and Corey's Claims of Innocence
Following an extensive investigation, Corey Richens was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, as well as other related crimes. Despite overwhelming circumstantial evidence and mounting accusations, she continues to profess her innocence, asserting that the world does not know her true character. The legal proceedings revealed Corey's attempts to manipulate narratives, including her alleged efforts to coach family members on their testimonies. As the trial date approaches, the family dynamics and accusations form a complex web of suspicion, financial strain, and emotional turmoil as they prepare for the courtroom battle.
Ep 207: A woman’s husband dies suddenly of what is ruled an accidental overdose. But not long after, the case is reopened for murder, and his family claims she’s the prime suspect.
This is the Kouri Richins story.
Sources for Today's Episode:
ABC 7 Chicago
NY Post
People.com
NBC news
The Guardian
CBS news
Newsnationnow.com
AP News
Fox 13
Sponsors:
(thanks for using our promo codes, it really does help the show!)
Skylight Frames -
As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $20 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/WOMEN.
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro
Music by Dessert Media
Show your Support:
The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience!
You can also support the show through the following ways:
Patron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime
Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $4.99 a month.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
