PARK CITY, Utah — Testimony in the trial of Kouri Richins, accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, took a deeply personal turn Wednesday as her former boyfriend, Robert Josh Grossman, detailed a romantic relationship that unfolded both before and after Eric Richins’ death. Grossman’s testimony centered on a series of text messages revealing a desire for a future with Richins, even as she was married, and raising questions about her emotional state following her husband’s passing. The case, which has drawn national attention, centers on allegations that Kouri Richins poisoned her husband with a fatal dose of fentanyl on March 4, 2022.
Grossman, a handyman whom Richins employed, recounted a decade-long connection that began in South Carolina before evolving into a romantic relationship around 2020, after he moved to Utah to assist her with house-flipping projects. He described a pattern of financial support from Richins, including a $25,000 payment after her husband’s death, as well as gifts like trucks and a vacation to Saint Martin. However, he likewise acknowledged the relationship was often fraught with challenges and a sense of unfulfillment. The core of Wednesday’s proceedings revolved around the presentation of text messages between Richins and Grossman, offering a glimpse into their private communications.
A Desire for a Future Together
Less than a month before Eric Richins’ death, according to the texts displayed in court, Kouri Richins posed a direct question to Grossman: “If I was divorced right now and request you to marry me tomorrow, you would?” Grossman responded with an enthusiastic affirmation: “Yes. In Love with Y O U! Of course I would.” Further texts revealed a longing for a life free from her marriage. “If he could just go away and you could just be here! Life would be so perfect!!!” she texted Grossman, according to testimony. These messages paint a picture of a woman actively contemplating a future with Grossman whereas still married to Eric Richins.
The relationship, however, wasn’t without its complexities. In a December 2021 message, Richins acknowledged the unsustainable nature of their affair, writing, “I really enjoy my relationship and love for you.. But (you’re) right.. We both realize this love triangle can’t go on forever. You don’t deserve it, I don’t deserve you. I can’t expect you to sit around for the day the trigger gets pulled.” Grossman testified that despite these acknowledgements, the emotional connection remained strong. He described a shared ambition to purchase property in Park City, with Richins recounting a personal history of striving for financial success, stating she once “grew up scrubbing toilets for rich people in Park City and told herself she would own those homes one day.”
Questions About Drug Use and the Days Surrounding Eric Richins’ Death
The testimony also touched upon a conversation from January 9, 2022, where Richins inquired about Grossman’s past drug use, asking if he had used anything beyond marijuana, and when. This line of questioning occurred less than two months before Eric Richins’ death, and as Kouri Richins is accused of poisoning her husband. Prosecutors allege she slipped drugs into his food on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2022, making him sick. Grossman confirmed they had plans to spend Valentine’s Day together.
The days leading up to Eric Richins’ death were also detailed through text messages. Grossman testified that they had planned to meet for brunch on the Friday following Eric Richins’ death to celebrate the closing of a real estate deal. Richins, in a text message sent a few days prior, asked Grossman to “Hang in there until then please?” Grossman stated he did not interpret this request as implying her husband would not be alive by Friday. On the evening before Eric Richins died, Grossman sent a celebratory text, anticipating excellent news: “I will happily take any bit of time I get with you! But, if we’re going to celebrate, I want to celebrate! Blow up balloons, champagne, I wanna be there when the news comes in! Seeing and hearing your reaction! Waiting to pounce on you with the hugs and kisses, the confetti and the music!”
The response from Richins was delayed, prompting Grossman to ask if she was upset. She eventually replied, “I’m not mad at you, at all. Just haven’t had a second to text.. Give me a few.. Love you.” The following morning, Grossman received a text stating, “Eric passed away.” and “talk later.” She later told him that Eric Richins’ death was initially believed to be caused by an aneurysm.
A Question That Lingered
Grossman recounted a conversation that took place approximately two weeks after Eric Richins’ death, during a trip to the Uinta Mountains. He testified that Richins initiated a startling question: “She asked if I had ever killed anybody… She asked me how it made me feel or something along those lines. And then I answered her.” At the time, Grossman said he did not suspect foul play in Eric Richins’ death and found the question surprising but attributed it to Richins being “exhausted emotionally” and potentially attempting to shift the focus of the conversation. The Park Record reported on these details Wednesday.
Grossman’s testimony also revealed that the relationship between him and Richins deteriorated after Eric Richins’ death. He stated he felt overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow upon learning of her arrest and subsequently contacted Eric Richins’ family, connecting them with a private investigator. Prior to Grossman’s testimony, jurors heard from individuals involved in setting up Eric Richins’ life insurance policies, and testimony revealed Kouri Richins’ upset reaction upon learning her husband’s home was held in a trust.
The defense has twice requested a mistrial, most recently citing concerns about testimony from Carmen Lauber, who previously testified about providing drugs to Kouri Richins. Attorney Wendy Lewis argued that newly discovered text messages between Lauber and her supervisor contained information that should have been disclosed during cross-examination. Judge Richard Mrazik has requested a written motion on the issue.
The trial is being live-streamed and is available for viewing here.
The trial is expected to continue with further testimony next week. A hearing on the defense’s motion for a mistrial is also scheduled. The case hinges on the prosecution’s ability to prove Kouri Richins intentionally poisoned her husband, and the testimony surrounding her relationship with Grossman provides a crucial piece of the puzzle, offering insight into her motivations and state of mind.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or emotional distress, resources are available. You can contact the Utah Crisis Line at 800-273-TALK (8255) or visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness Utah chapter for support and information.
