Kouri Richins, the Utah author who was convicted of murdering her husband, Eric Richins, addressed her three sons during her sentencing hearing on Wednesday, delivering an emotional message that has since generated widespread discussion online.

Richins, 35, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of aggravated murder in connection with the March 4, 2022, death of her husband, Eric Richins, 39.

During a lengthy statement in court, Richins spoke directly to her sons, ages 9, 12 and 13, offering advice and expressing her desire to reconnect with them in the future.

“Love the outdoors. Find your peace, your therapy, your heart and soul on the top of a mountain somewhere … be like your dad,” she said.

The comments came after testimony presented in court indicated that the children currently do not wish to have contact with their mother and reportedly feel safest knowing she will remain incarcerated.

The boys are currently being cared for by their paternal aunt, the sister of Eric Richins.

Richins Addresses Her Relationship With Her Sons
During her approximately 30-minute statement, Richins acknowledged that her sons may not want a relationship with her at this time.

“My sweet baby boys, I know that today you don’t want to speak with me, have a relationship with me … and that’s okay,” she said.

She also stated that communication with her children had been cut off since early 2024 and maintained that she had not abandoned them.

Throughout her statement, Richins continued to deny responsibility for her husband’s death and said she plans to appeal her conviction.

“I would have never taken him from you, from us,” she told her sons.

The Case Against Kouri Richins
Prosecutors argued that Richins murdered her husband by giving him a fentanyl-laced Moscow Mule at their home in Kamas, Utah, while their children were asleep nearby.

According to prosecutors, the motive was financial. They alleged that Richins believed she would inherit Eric Richins’ $4 million estate and use the money to address significant business debts.

Jurors also heard evidence that she had previously attempted to poison him before the fatal incident.

Richins was arrested in 2023, shortly after gaining public attention for promoting a children’s book about grief тιтled Are You With Me?, which she wrote following her husband’s death.

Despite the guilty verdict, Richins continues to maintain her innocence.

Emotional Testimony From Eric Richins’ Family
Earlier in the hearing, members of Eric Richins’ family addressed the court and asked the judge to ensure Richins would never be released.

His sister, Katie Richins-Benson, testified that Eric had serious concerns about leaving his children alone with Richins.

Three social workers also read statements attributed to the couple’s sons, describing the emotional impact of losing their father and their experiences within the family.

Court observers noted that Richins occasionally spoke with her attorneys while the statements were being read.

What Happens Next?
Although Richins has now been sentenced to life in prison without parole for her husband’s murder, her legal proceedings are not yet over.

She is expected to face a separate trial involving financial crime allegations connected to the case.

Meanwhile, her conviction is likely to be challenged through the appeals process.

The case has continued to attract national attention, not only because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the murder, but also because Richins had publicly positioned herself as an author helping children cope with grief in the months before her arrest.

As further legal proceedings continue, her sentencing remarks — particularly her message to her sons — have become a major focus of public discussion.