Talking Dateline: Book of Lies
Digest
This Dateline episode, "Book of Lies," focuses on the murder of Eric Richens by his wife, Corey Richens, who poisoned him with fentanyl. The investigation highlights Corey's suspicious actions, including writing a children's book about grief shortly after Eric's death, which prosecutors deemed a manipulative tactic. The episode features interviews with a local news anchor who initially covered Corey's story and a homeowner who unknowingly bought a flipped house from her. It also explores the community of Park City, the strained relationship between Corey and Eric's family, and the crucial role of private investigator Todd Gabler. Gabler's investigation uncovered financial issues and led to the revelation of Corey's affair with Josh Grossman, whose testimony was pivotal. Jurors struggled with the conviction due to Corey's children but ultimately found her guilty. The episode concludes with details about Corey's sentencing and the potential for a movie adaptation of the case.
Outlines
Introduction to the Corey Richens Murder Case
This Dateline episode, hosted by Blaine Alexander and Andrea Canning, investigates the murder of Eric Richens, focusing on his wife, Corey Richens. Corey reported Eric dead, claiming he was cold to the touch, but an autopsy revealed he died from a lethal dose of fentanyl, leading to her arrest and conviction.
The "Book of Lies" and Community Insights
Corey Richens wrote and published a children's book about grief shortly after her husband's death, which prosecutors argued was a calculated move to portray herself as a victim. The episode explores the local community, including a diner owner, and Andrea Canning's interview with a local news anchor who featured Corey and her book, highlighting the unexpected turn of events that led to a murder investigation.
Family Tensions, Prenuptial Agreement, and Investigator's Role
The strained relationship between Corey and Eric's family was evident, further highlighted by Corey signing a prenuptial agreement in her wedding dress. Private investigator Todd Gabler, hired by the Richens family, played a crucial role in uncovering financial issues and gathering evidence that pointed towards Corey's guilt, emphasizing his commitment to finding the objective truth.
Lover's Testimony, Jurors' Decision, and Sentencing
The private investigator revealed Corey's lover, Josh Grossman, who stated that Corey was involved in her husband's death and carried a wallet will. Josh Grossman's court testimony raised credibility concerns. Evidence suggested Corey planned a future with Josh, including booking a tropical trip. Jurors found it difficult to convict Corey, knowing it would separate her from her sons, but ultimately believed the evidence pointed to her guilt. Corey's sentencing date is set for May 13th, Eric's birthday, and the case's dramatic twists make it a likely candidate for a movie.
Keywords
Corey Richens
The central figure in the Dateline episode "Book of Lies," convicted of murdering her husband, Eric Richens, by poisoning him with fentanyl. Her actions, including writing a grief book and her demeanor on local TV, became key elements of the investigation.
Eric Richens
The victim in the "Book of Lies" Dateline episode. A healthy 39-year-old man who died suddenly. His death was initially reported as unexplained, but an autopsy revealed he was poisoned with a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Fentanyl Poisoning
The method used to murder Eric Richens. Prosecutors alleged Corey Richens poisoned his drinks with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, leading to his death. The presence of five times the lethal amount in his system was a critical piece of evidence.
"Book of Lies"
A children's book about grief written by Corey Richens after her husband's death. This book, published shortly after the incident, drew significant attention and was viewed by prosecutors as a manipulative tactic.
Dateline NBC
A long-running American television news magazine that covers true crime stories. This episode, "Book of Lies," is part of their series, featuring investigative reporting and interviews.
Private Investigator
Todd Gabler, a private investigator hired by the Richens family, played a significant role in the investigation. He was tasked with looking into financial matters and potential foul play, ultimately uncovering crucial evidence.
Todd Gabler
The private investigator in the Corey Richens case. He was hired by the family to investigate Eric Richens' death, focusing on financial aspects and Corey's potential involvement. Gabler emphasized his commitment to uncovering the truth.
Josh Grossman
Corey Richens' lover, whose testimony was crucial in the investigation. He revealed that Corey was involved in her husband's death and that he carried a wallet will documenting this.
Q&A
How did Corey Richens' children's book contribute to her conviction?
Corey Richens wrote and published a children's book about grief shortly after her husband's death. Prosecutors argued this was a calculated move to portray herself as a victim, adding a layer of suspicion to her actions and becoming a focal point of the investigation.
What role did the private investigator play in the Corey Richens case?
Hired by the Richens family, private investigator Todd Gabler looked into financial issues and Corey's potential involvement in her husband's death. He uncovered significant evidence and worked with a forensic accountant, providing crucial information to law enforcement.
How did Josh Grossman's testimony impact the case?
Josh Grossman, Corey's lover, testified that Corey was involved in her husband's death and that he had a wallet will documenting this. His unusual question about "the whole truth" during his swearing-in raised eyebrows, but his statements were considered instructive by the investigator.
What made the relationship between Corey and Eric's family so tense?
The tension was evident even before Eric's death, with his sister immediately pointing fingers at Corey to law enforcement. The fact that Corey signed a prenuptial agreement in her wedding dress also highlighted underlying issues and distrust within the relationship.
Why was the local news anchor's interview with Corey Richens significant?
The local news anchor interviewed Corey about her grief book, unaware of the ongoing murder investigation. An anonymous email tipped off the station, turning a lifestyle segment into a pivotal moment that brought the case to wider attention.
Show Notes
Blayne Alexander sits down with Andrea Canning to discuss her latest episode, “Book of Lies.” In 2023, Utah mother of three Kouri Richins appeared on a local talk show to promote a children’s book she’d written about grief after the sudden death of her husband, Eric. Weeks later, she was behind bars, accused of his murder. Prosecutors said Kouri had spiked Eric's cocktail with fentanyl she purchased from the family housekeeper. She went to trial earlier this year and was found guilty. Andrea talks to Blayne about the tensions between Kouri and her in-laws, and the testimony of Kouri’s former lover in court. Andrea shares a podcast-exclusive clip of her interview with the private investigator hired by Eric’s family, and she and Blayne discuss what it takes to be a successful PI. Later, Andrea is joined by Dateline producer Karen Israel to answer viewer and listener questions from social media.
Listen to the full episode of “Book of Lies” on Apple: https://apple.co/48s109l
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pdELKI9O9XrY0n816yA0M
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