Kouri Richins Trial Update: State Witnesses Claim Harassment, Drug Dealer Recants Fentanyl Story

The Kouri Richins murder trial is two weeks away and the prosecution is facing a credibility crisis on multiple fronts.

Defense attorneys just filed a motion accusing lead detective Jeff O'Driscoll and investigator Travis Hopper of intimidating state witnesses. Text messages attached to the filing allegedly show O'Driscoll threatening one witness with arrest and jail if she didn't submit to prep sessions she had refused. His message reportedly included a threat to return with "a warrant and a catch pole for the dog." A second witness claims Hopper warned that their immunity agreement could be revoked for declining additional interviews.

This follows months of pretrial battles over evidence and witness credibility. In January, defense attorneys questioned O'Driscoll's truthfulness during suppression hearings about whether he knew Richins had an attorney when he interviewed her. Summit County brought in outside counsel to investigate. The defense also revealed that Robert Crozier — the man prosecutors say supplied the fentanyl that killed Eric Richins — has recanted, now claiming he sold OxyContin, not fentanyl.

Prosecutors maintain substantial evidence still supports the charges. Judge Richard Mrazik denied Richins' third bail request in November, finding the recantation creates holes but not enough to undermine the case.

Kouri Richins has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and maintains her innocence. She's been held in Summit County Jail since May 2023. Jury selection begins February 10th.

#TrueCrimeToday #KouriRichins #EricRichins #UtahMurderTrial #WitnessIntimidation #FentanylPoisoning #RobertCrozier #CarmenLauber #JudgeMrazik #TrueCrimeNews

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This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.