Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode Title: Dad Murdered, Mom Imprisoned: What Happened to Eric Richins' Children?
Date: May 10, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Episode Overview

In this episode, Nancy Grace delves into the tragic case of the Richins family — focusing on the aftermath of Eric Richins' murder and the fate of his three sons after their mother, Corey Richins (dubbed the "Moscow Mule mom"), is imprisoned for Eric's poisoning death. The discussion explores Corey’s actions before, during, and after the crime, her attempts to craft a narrative of grief, and the details of a botched cover-up, all with a focus on what becomes of the children left behind.

Grace is joined by legal, medical, and crime experts including Dr. Bethany Marshall (psychoanalyst), Dr. William Maroney (fentanyl expert), Donna Kelly (former Utah prosecutor), and reporter Elaine Otavias, offering a comprehensive, engaging, and at times sharp-tongued breakdown of the case’s many layers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Tragedy: Family in Crisis

Eric Richins, a loving father of three boys (Carter, Ashton, Weston), was murdered in March 2022.
Corey Richins, his wife, was later convicted of his murder by poisoning his drink (a Moscow Mule) with a lethal dose of fentanyl.
At the time, the children were ages 9, 7, and 5 ([08:12]).

“You know, it would have really helped them in life if they still had their dad alive.” — Nancy Grace [08:12]

2. Corey’s Grief Book and Public Persona

Before her arrest, Corey published a children's book about grief, claiming she wanted to help her children cope.
She made TV appearances promoting the three Cs: "connection, continuity, and care" ([06:01]).
Contradictions emerge between her public displays of mourning and the evidence uncovered.

"Yeah, murdered. According to prosecutors." — Nancy Grace, in reaction to Corey’s statements about her late husband’s ‘presence’ [08:12]
Hypocrisy: The book was reportedly ghostwritten. After Corey’s conviction, it was removed from Amazon ([16:29]).

3. Financial Motive and Pre-Crime Behavior

Corey and Eric’s marriage faced tension over money, particularly real estate investments and a disputed mega mansion flip.
Multiple life insurance policies were taken out on Eric, totaling approx. $3 million ([36:55]).
After Eric's death, Corey was caught taking valuables from the safe, and police found assets missing ([10:56]).
Eric had changed beneficiaries on insurance policies to protect his children.

“Over and over there is a pattern of her trying to get more money.” — Elaine Otavias [10:56]

4. Evidence and Witness Tampering

Orange notebook: Journal found in Corey’s cell with her detailed account of the murder night ([18:00]).
Walk the Dog Letter: Six-page handwritten letter found in jail, urging her mother and brother to testify Eric died of an ‘accidental overdose’ ([18:48]).
- Corey claimed it was part of a fiction novel; prosecutors allege witness tampering.
- Hidden in an LSAT book. Instructions include avoiding phone communication in case of wiretaps.
"She says that it’s part of a fiction mystery novel." — Elaine Otavias [20:30]

"Richens also tells her mother to pass information to her brother in person, telling her mother her home and phone could be bugged." — Crime Online Reporter [23:15]
Deleted evidence: Corey claimed she left her phone in another room but forensic evidence showed it was in use and messages were deleted during Eric’s death ([33:13], [40:28]).

5. The Method: Fentanyl Murder

Dr. William Maroney describes the lethality of fentanyl and its terrifying effects ([26:04]), emphasizing the recklessness of having fentanyl in a home with small children.

"The toxic dose of fentanyl is 2 milligrams...a full teaspoon is enough to kill everybody in the room." — Dr. Maroney [29:29]
Fentanyl was obtained through questionable means, including Corey’s housekeeper/drug supplier ([06:59]).
The mixture of vodka and ginger beer (Moscow Mule) could mask fentanyl’s bitter taste ([32:25]).

“Fentanyl's bitter. You need strong, pungent, sour, sweet flavoring, like ginger beer.” — Dr. Maroney [32:25]
Evidence pointed to Corey searching for and obtaining "the Michael Jackson stuff" (slang for fentanyl) ([33:13]).

6. The Boys’ Fate: Custody and Their Future

After Corey's arrest, the boys are placed under Eric’s family's care; Corey is allowed only limited video calls ([36:55]).
The children are described as being loved and supported, but face a difficult reckoning as they grow older and eventually learn the truth online ([57:04]).
The family’s financial security was preserved by Eric’s proactive moves before his death ([36:55]).

“I dread the day they read what really happened on the internet. And they will. They will.” — Nancy Grace [57:04]

7. Patterns and Parallels

Parallels drawn with other true crime cases involving women who murdered for financial gain (e.g., Dalia Dippolito, Lori Vallow, Casey Anthony) and fabricated elaborate alibis or narratives ([49:07], [53:32]).
Psychological analysis of Corey’s behavior — sociopathy, manipulativeness, lack of remorse — “Casey Anthony syndrome” ([44:28]).

"Every lie, every maneuver, every motive is so flagrantly transparent." — Dr. Bethany Marshall [44:28]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the direct impact to the boys:

“Those children, three little boys at the time, Carter, 9, Ashton, 7, and Weston, 5...never alone. According to police, she’s the reason that they are alone.” — Nancy Grace [08:12], [09:17]
On financial motive:

"She’s always trying to make a buck, always trying to get more money. I think that’s just children’s book is just another way to monetize his death." — Dr. Bethany Marshall [09:32]
On witness tampering:

"This comes down to jealousy, money, and Eric’s partying that they don’t want to acknowledge and sadly, an accidental overdose." — Excerpt from the Walk the Dog Letter [18:48]
On criminal psychology:

“They don’t just take themselves down, they take everyone else down around them.” — Dr. Bethany Marshall [56:13]
On technology as evidence:

"The reason that juries love this kind of evidence is it's very objective. It doesn’t have a bias, it doesn’t have an agenda." — Donna Kelly [42:51]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:17] — Setting the case: Eric’s murder, Corey’s conviction, the children’s fate
[05:43], [06:01] — Corey's TV appearance and statements; the “three Cs”
[06:59] — Evidence of Corey soliciting fentanyl from a housekeeper
[08:12] — Nancy Grace’s blunt response to Corey’s statements about the boys
[10:56] — Money motive emerging after the murder
[16:29] — What happened to the boys after Corey’s arrest; custody awarded to Eric’s family
[18:00] — The orange notebook and “Walk the Dog” letter found in jail
[26:04] — Dr. Maroney explains how fentanyl kills; risk discussed
[33:13] — Forensic phone evidence contradicting Corey’s alibi
[36:55] — Boys’ custody details and the financial backstory
[44:28] — Psychological profile: “Casey Anthony syndrome”
[48:29] — Prior poisoning attempt: Eric's near-death on Valentine's Day
[53:32] — Letter instructing family to lie; parallel to Dalia Dippolito’s hit attempt
[56:13] — Embroiling family in crime
[57:04] — The boys’ future and the hope that truth and justice prevail

Conclusion

Nancy Grace’s panel paints a picture not just of a calculated murder and cover-up, but the devastating impact on innocent children now orphaned by a crime rooted in greed and deception. The episode is a pointed examination of complex family dynamics turned tragic and the power (and limitations) of narrative control, with constant emotional reminders of who ultimately pays the price.

For further context, access the full transcript or listen to the episode on your preferred podcast platform.

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode Title: Dad Murdered, Mom Imprisoned: What Happened to Eric Richins' Children?
Date: May 10, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Tragedy: Family in Crisis

Eric Richins, a loving father of three boys (Carter, Ashton, Weston), was murdered in March 2022.
Corey Richins, his wife, was later convicted of his murder by poisoning his drink (a Moscow Mule) with a lethal dose of fentanyl.
At the time, the children were ages 9, 7, and 5 ([08:12]).

“You know, it would have really helped them in life if they still had their dad alive.” — Nancy Grace [08:12]

2. Corey’s Grief Book and Public Persona

Before her arrest, Corey published a children's book about grief, claiming she wanted to help her children cope.
She made TV appearances promoting the three Cs: "connection, continuity, and care" ([06:01]).
Contradictions emerge between her public displays of mourning and the evidence uncovered.

"Yeah, murdered. According to prosecutors." — Nancy Grace, in reaction to Corey’s statements about her late husband’s ‘presence’ [08:12]
Hypocrisy: The book was reportedly ghostwritten. After Corey’s conviction, it was removed from Amazon ([16:29]).

3. Financial Motive and Pre-Crime Behavior

Corey and Eric’s marriage faced tension over money, particularly real estate investments and a disputed mega mansion flip.
Multiple life insurance policies were taken out on Eric, totaling approx. $3 million ([36:55]).
After Eric's death, Corey was caught taking valuables from the safe, and police found assets missing ([10:56]).
Eric had changed beneficiaries on insurance policies to protect his children.

“Over and over there is a pattern of her trying to get more money.” — Elaine Otavias [10:56]

4. Evidence and Witness Tampering

Orange notebook: Journal found in Corey’s cell with her detailed account of the murder night ([18:00]).
Walk the Dog Letter: Six-page handwritten letter found in jail, urging her mother and brother to testify Eric died of an ‘accidental overdose’ ([18:48]).
- Corey claimed it was part of a fiction novel; prosecutors allege witness tampering.
- Hidden in an LSAT book. Instructions include avoiding phone communication in case of wiretaps.
"She says that it’s part of a fiction mystery novel." — Elaine Otavias [20:30]

"Richens also tells her mother to pass information to her brother in person, telling her mother her home and phone could be bugged." — Crime Online Reporter [23:15]
Deleted evidence: Corey claimed she left her phone in another room but forensic evidence showed it was in use and messages were deleted during Eric’s death ([33:13], [40:28]).

5. The Method: Fentanyl Murder

Dr. William Maroney describes the lethality of fentanyl and its terrifying effects ([26:04]), emphasizing the recklessness of having fentanyl in a home with small children.

"The toxic dose of fentanyl is 2 milligrams...a full teaspoon is enough to kill everybody in the room." — Dr. Maroney [29:29]
Fentanyl was obtained through questionable means, including Corey’s housekeeper/drug supplier ([06:59]).
The mixture of vodka and ginger beer (Moscow Mule) could mask fentanyl’s bitter taste ([32:25]).

“Fentanyl's bitter. You need strong, pungent, sour, sweet flavoring, like ginger beer.” — Dr. Maroney [32:25]
Evidence pointed to Corey searching for and obtaining "the Michael Jackson stuff" (slang for fentanyl) ([33:13]).

6. The Boys’ Fate: Custody and Their Future

After Corey's arrest, the boys are placed under Eric’s family's care; Corey is allowed only limited video calls ([36:55]).
The children are described as being loved and supported, but face a difficult reckoning as they grow older and eventually learn the truth online ([57:04]).
The family’s financial security was preserved by Eric’s proactive moves before his death ([36:55]).

“I dread the day they read what really happened on the internet. And they will. They will.” — Nancy Grace [57:04]

7. Patterns and Parallels

Parallels drawn with other true crime cases involving women who murdered for financial gain (e.g., Dalia Dippolito, Lori Vallow, Casey Anthony) and fabricated elaborate alibis or narratives ([49:07], [53:32]).
Psychological analysis of Corey’s behavior — sociopathy, manipulativeness, lack of remorse — “Casey Anthony syndrome” ([44:28]).

"Every lie, every maneuver, every motive is so flagrantly transparent." — Dr. Bethany Marshall [44:28]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the direct impact to the boys:

“Those children, three little boys at the time, Carter, 9, Ashton, 7, and Weston, 5...never alone. According to police, she’s the reason that they are alone.” — Nancy Grace [08:12], [09:17]
On financial motive:

"She’s always trying to make a buck, always trying to get more money. I think that’s just children’s book is just another way to monetize his death." — Dr. Bethany Marshall [09:32]
On witness tampering:

"This comes down to jealousy, money, and Eric’s partying that they don’t want to acknowledge and sadly, an accidental overdose." — Excerpt from the Walk the Dog Letter [18:48]
On criminal psychology:

“They don’t just take themselves down, they take everyone else down around them.” — Dr. Bethany Marshall [56:13]
On technology as evidence:

"The reason that juries love this kind of evidence is it's very objective. It doesn’t have a bias, it doesn’t have an agenda." — Donna Kelly [42:51]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:17] — Setting the case: Eric’s murder, Corey’s conviction, the children’s fate
[05:43], [06:01] — Corey's TV appearance and statements; the “three Cs”
[06:59] — Evidence of Corey soliciting fentanyl from a housekeeper
[08:12] — Nancy Grace’s blunt response to Corey’s statements about the boys
[10:56] — Money motive emerging after the murder
[16:29] — What happened to the boys after Corey’s arrest; custody awarded to Eric’s family
[18:00] — The orange notebook and “Walk the Dog” letter found in jail
[26:04] — Dr. Maroney explains how fentanyl kills; risk discussed
[33:13] — Forensic phone evidence contradicting Corey’s alibi
[36:55] — Boys’ custody details and the financial backstory
[44:28] — Psychological profile: “Casey Anthony syndrome”
[48:29] — Prior poisoning attempt: Eric's near-death on Valentine's Day
[53:32] — Letter instructing family to lie; parallel to Dalia Dippolito’s hit attempt
[56:13] — Embroiling family in crime
[57:04] — The boys’ future and the hope that truth and justice prevail

Conclusion

For further context, access the full transcript or listen to the episode on your preferred podcast platform.

wavePod

Dad Murdered, Mom Imprisoned: What Happened to Eric Richins' Children?

Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Tragedy: Family in Crisis

2. Corey’s Grief Book and Public Persona

3. Financial Motive and Pre-Crime Behavior

4. Evidence and Witness Tampering

5. The Method: Fentanyl Murder

6. The Boys’ Fate: Custody and Their Future

7. Patterns and Parallels

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion

Transcript

Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Tragedy: Family in Crisis

2. Corey’s Grief Book and Public Persona

3. Financial Motive and Pre-Crime Behavior

4. Evidence and Witness Tampering

5. The Method: Fentanyl Murder

6. The Boys’ Fate: Custody and Their Future

7. Patterns and Parallels

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion