Podcast Summary

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present

Episode: Blame the Dead Dad; Defense Takes Shape on Day 1 of Grief Author Murder Trial
Date: February 24, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes break down the highly-publicized "Grief Author Murder Trial"—the case of Utah mom and grief-author Corey Richins, who is accused of poisoning and killing her husband, Eric. The hosts dive into Day 1 of the trial, focusing on the defense strategy, dramatic courtroom moments, and key testimony. The episode is an in-depth exploration of the evolving legal narrative, the sensational aspects drawing national attention, and the intensely personal dynamics at play.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Defense: Blaming the Victim

(02:39 – 08:00)

• T.J. Holmes introduces the defense's strategy: "Blame the dead guy." The defense argues Eric Richins had substance abuse issues and could have caused his own death.
• Amy Robach notes the defense is pointing the finger at the victim:

  "The one person who can't refute your version is the person who you're accused of killing. And that's exactly what's happening here." (03:17)

• The prosecution alleges Corey slipped Eric five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in a Moscow mule; the defense refutes by blaming Eric's alleged painkiller and THC use.

2. The Clunky First Day in Court

(04:00 – 04:54)

• T.J. Holmes and Amy describe the first day as "clunky" and "messy," with frequent objections and apologies, reflecting uncertainty between attorneys and the judge.

3. Key Elements Making the Case Sensational

(05:48 – 06:47)

• National and local attention is high due to Corey’s status as a children’s author—publishing "Are You With Me?" about coping with a father’s death shortly after Eric's death.
• Corey was active in the media promoting the book, then arrested a month later, highlighting the "salacious" nature of the story.

4. Trial Strategy: Opening Statements

(07:11 – 08:51)

• Opening statements reveal the prosecution’s focus on evidence and the defense’s attempt to create sympathy for Corey.
• The defense plays Corey’s tearful 911 call for dramatic effect.

  Amy: "The defense attorney opens with, 'those were the sounds of a wife becoming a widow's.'" (08:00)

• The defense urges jurors to "suspend judgment."

5. Presumption of Innocence and the Role of Lyme Disease

(08:51 – 10:26)

• T.J. Holmes reminds listeners:

  "She is an innocent woman. And we have to assume that that's what the jury has to do." (08:51)

• Medical context: The defense frequently mentions Eric’s Lyme disease and back pain as reasons for potential substance use, a point his sister partially confirms.

6. Evidence and “No Smoking Gun”

(10:26 – 12:31)

• The defense contends there’s no direct evidence linking Corey to the fentanyl:

  Amy: "What you will never hear after four years of investigation is how that fentanyl got inside of him, because there is zero evidence of that." (10:26)

• They emphasize that the alleged murder weapon—the Moscow mule cup—was never tested for residue.

7. Prosecution’s Motive: Financial and Romantic

(12:31 – 13:53; 17:12 – 19:02)

• Motive: Corey allegedly in millions of debt; Eric was worth more dead than alive.
• Additional sensational angle: Corey’s romantic involvement with another man.
• Prosecution reveals Corey texted “I love you” to her boyfriend right before Eric’s suspected poisoning and conducted search queries like “Luxury prisons for the rich” and "Can police find deleted messages on your phone?" (18:04)

8. Key Witness Testimony & Body Cam Footage

(19:02 – 21:18)

• First prosecution witness: Eric’s sister, Katie Richards Benson, described as emotional and combative.

  Amy: "[Katie] talked about Corey having a businesslike reaction... hair all done up and just like camera ready." (19:34)

• Body cam footage showed a contrasting image of Corey—crying, disheveled, in pajamas, leading to debate about her genuine emotional state.
• Katie collapsed in grief on arrival, adding to the emotional weight of the trial.

9. The Housekeeper’s Pending Testimony

(21:18 – 22:39)

• A crucial upcoming witness: Housekeeper Carmen Lauber, who is expected to testify she sold fentanyl to Corey. However, her history as a convicted felon and her dealer’s denials may complicate her credibility.

10. Trial Logistics & The Road Ahead

(23:04 – 23:54)

• The trial is set to last five weeks, involving nearly three dozen charges, from murder to forgery and mortgage fraud.
• Amy Robach: "Again, Corey Richards is facing... nearly three dozen charges, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, forgery, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, lots of financial crimes there." (23:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Defense’s Strategy:

  • T.J.: "Well, we found out what her defense is going to be. Blame the dead guy." (02:39)

• On Courtroom Atmosphere:

  • Amy: "Lots of 'I'm sorry's. I didn't mean to.' Stops and starts. Even the witnesses were apologizing. It was definitely clunky." (04:29)

• On the Media Frenzy:

  • Amy: "Several dozen people actually camped outside the courtroom in lawn chairs for nearly five hours waiting to get a seat..." (05:48)

• On Sympathy Tactics:

  • Amy: "Those were the sounds of a wife becoming a widow's." (08:00)

• On Presumption of Innocence:

  • T.J.: "She is an innocent woman. And we have to assume that that's what the jury has to do." (08:51)

• On Evidence Issues:

  • Amy: "There is zero evidence of that...they could never actually prove there is no smoking gun, that there was fentanyl residue inside that Moscow Mule." (10:26)

• On Sensational Evidence:

  • Amy: “Luxury prisons for the rich. America. Can cops force you to do a lie detector test?...can police find deleted messages on your phone? All of this stuff they've recovered...” (18:04)

• On Emotional Testimony:

  • Amy: "That just stabbed at my heart to hear her emotion when talking about her brother. She fiercely loved him." (19:34)
  • Amy: "I was...it was like you were watching a movie and yet you were watching someone's actual pain. It was chilling. Very chilling." (21:18)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening remarks on defense strategy: 02:39
• Trial day's messy start: 04:00
• Discussion of Corey’s children's book and media presence: 05:48
• Breakdown of opening statements: 07:11–08:51
• Debate over presumption of innocence and Eric’s medical history: 08:51–10:26
• Prosecution’s case on motive: 12:31, 17:12
• Revelation of Corey’s romantic involvement and incriminating searches: 18:04
• Witness testimony & body cam analysis: 19:02–21:18
• Upcoming testimony from housekeeper: 21:18–22:39
• Closing logistics and summary of charges: 23:04

Tone and Style

The exchange is candid, fast-paced, and at times incredulous — reflective of the staggering facts of the case. Amy and T.J. balance measured legal analysis with moments of emotional empathy for the victims and honest skepticism about the defense’s approach. Their language is conversational, with occasional dark humor and direct commentary on courtroom tactics.

This episode offers a detailed and dramatic look at the evolving trial, centering on the defense's controversial strategy, public fascination, and the complex human stories entangled in the legal spectacle.