2: Richins Trial: Untested Pill Bottle and "Jail Calls" Slip Rock Courtroom

The shortest day so far in the Kouri Richins murder trial may have been the most consequential. In less than an hour of testimony, defense attorney Kathy Nester exposed significant gaps in the investigation that are central to the prosecution's case against the Utah mother accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl.

Crime scene technician Chelsea Gipson confirmed that a hydrocodone bottle recovered from Eric Richins' nightstand was never tested for fentanyl residue. She also confirmed that the kitchen where Kouri allegedly prepared the drink prosecutors say delivered the fatal dose was not photographed. No drug paraphernalia of any kind was found in the home on the day Eric died. And Gipson agreed that it's common for people to hide illicit drugs in prescription pill bottles — a key concession that supports the defense's theory that Eric may have unknowingly or knowingly had access to fentanyl independent of his wife.

The courtroom's most dramatic moment came during questioning about phone recordings when Gipson asked if Nester was referring to "jail calls." The defense immediately moved to strike the comment, and Judge Mrazik instructed jurors not to speculate about the defendant's custody history. But the reference was already on the record in the jury's minds.

An unexpected early recess ended the day before noon. Gipson returns to the stand for continued cross-examination in a trial expected to last into March.

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