Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Murderous Moscow Mule Mom's Lover Breaks Down in Court | Crime Alert 6AM

Date: March 6, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace (with reporter Sydney Sumner)
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Overview

This episode centers on the emotional testimony given in the ongoing murder trial of Utah children's grief author Kouri Richins, accused of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022. The podcast also covers two shocking election stories involving criminal suspects running for office and a missing person case out of Texas.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Kouri Richins Murder Trial

Background:

• Kouri Richins, a children's book author, is on trial for allegedly murdering her husband with a fatal dose of fentanyl hidden in a Moscow Mule cocktail.
• Prosecutors allege she was motivated by a desire to start a new life with her lover and to inherit her husband's $4 million estate.

Testimony of Robert Grossman (Handyman Lover):
[00:38 - 03:07]

• Robert Grossman (43), an Iraq war veteran, broke down on the stand relaying the intimate details of his relationship with Richins.
• Notable text message:
  • Richins: "If I was divorced right now and asked you to marry me tomorrow, you would?"
  • Grossman: "Yes, in love with Y O U. Of course I would."
• Grossman became emotional and wiped away tears as these texts, dreaming of a future together, were shown in court.
• Other texts included discussing buying a mansion together and living as a blended family.
  • Richins: "Life would be perfect if my husband could just go away and you could just be here."
• Grossman recounted, post Eric’s death, Richins questioned him whether he had killed anyone in Iraq and what it felt like:
  • "She asked me if I ever killed anyone [in Iraq] and how it made me feel."
• Grossman maintained he had no suspicion of Richins being involved in Eric Richins’ death at that time.

Prosecutors' Argument:

• Richins planned her husband's murder for personal and financial gain, including failed previous attempts (allegedly spiking his Valentine’s Day sandwich with fentanyl).
• Published a children’s book about grief shortly after Eric’s death, claiming it was to help children like her sons.

Defense’s Response:

• Assert that Eric’s death was an accidental overdose.
• Criticize prosecution for allegedly poor evidence-handling (failure to properly test the drink container).
• Richins pleads not guilty; the trial continues.

Notable Quote:

• Sydney Sumner (Reporter, 01:40):
  • "As the texts were displayed in court, Grossman became emotional and wiped away tears during his testimony."

2. Crime and Elections

A. California: Convicted Sex Offender Runs for Office
[04:39 - 06:15]

• Renee Campos, a registered sex offender convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material, is seeking a seat on the Fresno City Council.
• Campos controversially held a press conference across from a school—violating proximity laws for sex offenders.
• Legislative response: Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria introduced a bill to ban registered sex offenders from running for office.
• Campos described his press event as a symbol of "rehabilitation and forgiveness," dismissing the legislative response as "institutional overreach."

B. Arkansas: Accused Murderer Wins Sheriff Primary

• Aaron Spencer, charged with second degree murder after shooting Michael Fosler (who allegedly kidnapped and raped his daughter), won the Republican nomination for Lanokee County Sheriff with 53% of the vote.
• Fosler had prior arrests and protective orders related to the victim.
• Spencer cannot serve as sheriff if convicted; his trial has been delayed but is expected to begin in late April or June.

3. Missing Person Case: Nicole "Nicky" Winder (Texas)

[06:15 - 08:26]

• Nicole Winder, 53, has been missing since February 25th.
• Her truck was found torched off FM 974.
• Police request the public checks their cameras from 3:00-4:15pm that day for possible clues.
• Winder is described as 5'7", 130lbs, green eyes, blonde hair, last seen wearing a dark gray shirt and pink pants.
• "Anyone with information should contact Brazos County Sheriff's Office at 979-361-4900."

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Kouri Richins' state of mind:

• Sydney Sumner (00:38):
  • "Prosecutors say the messages reveal the pair discussing a future together."

On Emotional Testimony:

• Sydney Sumner (01:40):
  • "Grossman became emotional and wiped away tears during his testimony."

On the prosecution's motive theory:

• Sydney Sumner (02:12):
  • "Prosecutors argue Richins planned the killing in hopes of starting a new life with her lover...and believe she would inherit her husband's estate, valued at more than $4 million."

On alleged mishandling of evidence:

• Sydney Sumner (02:39):
  • "Investigators did not thoroughly test the drink's cup for evidence."

On Campos' justification for holding a press conference near a school:

• Sydney Sumner (04:58):
  • "Campos described the move as institutional overreach. He went on to explain he chose to hold Friday’s press conference outside a church as it’s a symbol for rehabilitation and forgiveness."

On the Arkansas sheriff race:

• Sydney Sumner (06:05):
  • "Despite being charged with...murder, Spencer won the Republican nomination for Lanokee County Sheriff, winning 53% of the vote."

On the missing person case plea:

• Sydney Sumner (07:18):
  • "Law enforcement are encouraging residents near the 1900 block of FM974 to check security and game cameras for footage on Feb 25 between 3pm and 4:15pm."

Timestamps for Critical Segments

• [00:38 - 03:07] Kouri Richins Lover Testifies in Emotional Court Session
• [04:39 - 06:15] California Sex Offender Campaigns for Office
• [06:15 - 07:35] Arkansas Murder Suspect Wins Sheriff Primary
• [07:35 - 08:26] Nicole "Nicky" Winder Missing Person Appeal

Summary Table

| Segment | Start | End | Description | |-------------------------------------------------------------|--------|--------|------------------------------------------------| | Kouri Richins Trial & Lover’s Testimony | 00:38 | 03:07 | Testimony details, prosecution & defense cases | | California/Arkansas Crime & Election News | 04:39 | 07:35 | Shocking candidacies, legislative responses | | Texas Missing Person: Nicole "Nicky" Winder | 07:35 | 08:26 | Police search and appeal details |

Final Thoughts

This episode reveals the complex web of personal relationships and motives at play in high-profile criminal cases, and exposes how the justice system contends with public perception, especially when charged figures seek office. The emotional testimony of Robert Grossman—the "Moscow Mule Mom's" alleged lover—casts new light on the case, while the show’s succinct updates on election and missing person stories highlight the ever-evolving landscape of American crime and justice.