A Utah judge ordered Kouri Richins to pay $55,120,516 to the estate of her late husband, Eric Richins, to resolve a wrongful-death claim, according to a report published October 7.
Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik signed the order in Summit County on October 5, 2026, regarding the claim brought by Katie Richins-Benson, the estate representative and sister of the deceased.
The total judgment includes $10,780,129 in economic damages, which covers losses such as $13,781 in funeral expenses, lost earnings, benefits, and household contributions. Additionally, the judge awarded $3,000,000 in non-economic damages, which includes $1,000,000 for each of Eric Richins’ three minor children to compensate for the loss of their father.
The remaining $41,340,387 is in punitive damages, an amount calculated at three times the combined economic and non-economic damages. This ruling was made by the judge after Kouri Richins did not dispute the facts presented in a motion by the plaintiff.
The judgment resolves claim No. 16 of a 21-claim civil lawsuit filed in June 2023. Other claims in the case, including those involving K Richins Realty, LLC and allegations regarding property, retirement accounts, and the unauthorized use of Eric Richins' name and likeness for a children's book, remain pending or stayed.
This civil judgment is separate from Kouri Richins' criminal case. In March 2026, a Summit County jury convicted her of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery. On May 13, 2026, Judge Mrazik sentenced her to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Her attorneys filed a notice of appeal on May 26, 2026, and a request for a new trial was denied in July 2026.
While the judgment was ordered to be paid to Katie Richins-Benson as the representative of the estate and trustee of the living trust, it is not a settlement or a class action. There is no public fund or claim form for others to join the award.
It remains unclear if the full amount will be collected, as Kouri Richins is currently serving a life sentence and has previously faced challenges regarding legal defense costs. In a separate August 28, 2026, proceeding, she was ordered to repay approximately $1.37 million in life insurance proceeds to Auto Owners Insurance and TruStage.
