MK True Crime – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Key Witness Testifies in Richins Trial, Defense Loss in Robinson Case, Kohberger College Denies Wrongdoing
Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Phil Holloway
Co-host: Dave Aronberg
Guest: Angenette Levy

Episode Overview

This episode centers on three significant criminal cases:

1. The ongoing Corey Richens (Utah) murder trial, focusing on the prosecution’s key witnesses and the emerging financial motive.
2. The Tyler Robinson case, with the defense’s loss on efforts to disqualify prosecutors due to conflict of interest.
3. The lawsuit against Washington State University tied to Brian Kohberger’s crimes and the challenges facing the victims’ families.

Legal experts Phil Holloway and Dave Aronberg provide trial analysis, strategy breakdowns, and real-world legal insight, joined later by Law & Crime’s Angenette Levy for a deeper dive on the Richins case.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Corey Richins Murder Trial

Prosecution’s Case & Financial Motive

• [03:53] Phil sets up the case: Corey Richins faces charges for allegedly killing her husband, Eric, with fentanyl in 2022, motivated by financial gain and desire for a new life.
• Notable Opening Quote – Prosecutor:

  “The evidence will prove that Cory Richards murdered Eric for his money and to get a fresh start at life. More than anything, she wanted his money to perpetuate her facade of privilege, affluence, and success.” [03:53]

• Prosecution highlights Richins’ $4.5 million debt, over 20 lenders, and plans to solve her financial problems with Eric’s death.

  “On the day Eric died, Cory owed over $4.5 million…her bank accounts were exhausted and her credit was exhausted.” [41:37]

Defense Challenges & Cross-Examination Missteps

• The defense tried to sow doubt by suggesting Eric might have used fentanyl previously, implying possible accidental overdose.
• [06:38] Defense attempted to use medical testimony to support this but was quickly rebuffed:

  Defense: “...it would be more likely for the body to start to metabolize it before death in someone who it was not their first time taking fentanyl. Correct?”
  Witness: "I don't agree with that."
  [07:42]

• Dave calls this a “huge blunder,” adding:

  “Never ask a question on cross-examination that you don't already know the answer to...” [08:50]

• [09:49] Discussion of another defense misfire: accidentally introducing evidence of Richins’ jail calls, potentially revealing to the jury that she was incarcerated—a strategic error.

Defense Themes

• Beyond accidental overdose, the defense alluded to potential “planted” evidence and hints of police/prosecutorial misconduct—strategies the hosts consider weak and desperate.
• [14:07] Dave:

  “The last refuge of the scoundrel…Well, the evidence, overwhelming, must be planted...they're reaching.”

Notable Courtroom Moments

• Debate over the term “y’all” in a witness question highlights how language and regionalisms can become points of contention in court.

  “It's a Southern thing. 'Y’all' is just in my blood…but it's hard. It's deep in there.” – Attorney Nestor [13:16]

Key Evidence Discussed

• Richins’ bodycam footage from the night of Eric’s death, where she appeared “camera ready” in matching pajamas.

  “She looked like she was ready for her close up...very convenient.” – Dave [38:31]

• Discussion over Corey’s attempt to cremate Eric, shocking his family:

  “Anytime somebody’s like, ‘yeah, let’s cremate the body, let’s do that really fast,’ I think that’s a red flag.” – Angenette Levy [49:41]

Financial Motive Deep Dive

• Details of a prenuptial agreement, Eric’s efforts to protect his assets, and life insurance policies where Corey attempted to name herself sole beneficiary—all supported the prosecution’s case.

The Role of Family & Possible Conspiracies

• Corey’s family’s unwavering support was noted, with speculation about denial or possible complicity (without specific accusations).
• [52:59]

  “They are supporting her in a way that the Coburger family did not support Brian...maybe they're involved in some way.” – Dave

2. Tyler Robinson Case – Disqualification Motion Denied

• [18:54] The defense attempted to get prosecutors disqualified due to a possible conflict—a prosecutor’s adult daughter was at the scene of the crime.
• Judge’s Ruling: Motion denied, as the situation was deemed too attenuated to present a real conflict.

  “Prosecutors need not be immune to the emotional response of others to prosecute a case. Indeed, it is part of a prosecutor's duty to interview witnesses and victims...” – Judge Graff [20:50]

• Phil and Dave agree the motion was a stalling tactic:

  “Criminal defense lawyers want to slow things down...when you delay, memories fade, passions cool, evidence could spoil.” – Dave [19:17]

Transparency in Legal Proceedings

• Phil expresses concern about growing secrecy, including defense motions to exclude cameras from court:

  “Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and the public has to know what goes on in the courtrooms…” [26:50]

3. News Updates & Other True Crime Developments

Savannah Guthrie’s Ongoing Family Tragedy

• Discussion of Guthrie leaving Arizona during the ongoing search for her mother:

  “Everyone has to, at some point, move on...I wonder if this case is growing cold.” – Phil [28:43]

• Media activity and law enforcement handling of the crime scene draw criticism.
• Speculation/False Accusations: Concern raised about innocent people (e.g., a local teacher) falsely accused by internet sleuths.

  “There are innocent people that get hurt…” – Quoting Dominic Evans [33:00]

4. Kohberger Lawsuit – Victims’ Families vs. Washington State University

• [53:32] Lawsuit alleges the university was negligent in failing to act more decisively against Brian Kohberger prior to the Idaho murders.
• Angenette Levy doubts the case will succeed due to foreseeability and legal technicalities, including the victims not being students at Washington State.

  “The optics are terrible...but they may have more of a case if they were students at Washington State...but they're in another state.” – Angenette [55:54]

• Phil and Dave note the law is imperfect as a vehicle for justice but express sympathy for the victims.

Critique of Plea Deal/Proffer in Kohberger Case

• Angenette criticizes the state for not requiring Kohberger to make a formal statement (“proffer”) to reveal case details as part of his plea deal, leaving room for him to profit from his story:

  “They let Brian Kohberger walk into prison with currency...his story. Eventually that guy is going to talk.” [58:28]

5. Audience Q&A: How Judges Are Assigned (and Recusal)

• [63:22] Selena asks about judge assignments and when judges are recused.
• Phil explains judicial assignment is normally random, to prevent “judge shopping.” Recusal is rare and uncomfortable but necessary to avoid conflicts of interest.

  “If the judge, if it doesn’t work out…the well with the judge, not just for that case, but for future cases...” – Dave [67:29]

6. Closing Arguments

Dave’s Tech-Themed Caution ([67:57])

A reflection on the surveillance risks of modern “smart” home devices and the loss of privacy:

“We are inviting Trojan horses into our bedrooms and calling it convenience...If it has a camera and WiFi, it’s a witness for the prosecution waiting to happen...Buy a broom.”

Phil’s Parenting Warning ([70:16])

A candid PSA about caregiver vetting, referencing a real San Diego abuse case:

“You can do a proper background check...before you hire that new babysitter, do a proper background check every single time because literally your kids’ lives depend on it.”

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Prosecutor on motive:

  “Corey Richards murdered Eric for his money and to get a fresh start at life.” [03:53]

• Dave on cross-examination:

  “Never ask a question on cross examination that you don’t already know the answer to...” [08:50]

• Angenette on bodycam footage:

  “She did look pretty good…she did look pretty good.” [39:30]

• Angenette on financial motive:

  “[Corey] was drowning in debt, like more debt than any of us could ever imagine.” [40:36]

• Phil on legal transparency:

  “Sunlight is the best disinfectant…if you got somebody who’s convicted and gets the death penalty, but the public can’t see what happened in court, how can the public be satisfied in the integrity of that process?” [26:50]

• Angenette on lawsuits against schools:

  “They may have more of a case if they were students at Washington State…but they’re in another state.” [55:54]

Memorable Moments

• The hosts humorously dissect a lawyer’s “pet peeve” over the pronunciation of “fentanyl” [08:42].
• Southern linguistics becomes a minor courtroom issue over use of “y’all” [13:16].
• The team’s shared concern and empathy for victims’ families, especially where legal remedies seem limited.

Guest Segment – Angenette Levy on Richins & Kohberger ([36:48]–[60:39])

• Levy reinforces the prosecution’s financial case and issues surrounding the prenuptial agreement and insurance.
• Adds color commentary on courtroom body language and “TV-ready” appearances.
• Discusses the tendency of families to support accused loved ones even in the face of strong evidence.
• Expresses skepticism about the Kohberger civil case and critiques the plea arrangement.

Additional Resources

• Angenette Levy’s show: Crime Fix – Law & Crime YouTube channel [60:39]
• Hosts’ social media:
  • Phil Holloway: @philhollawayeq
  • Dave Aronberg: @Ehrenberg

Overall, this episode provides an engaging, expert breakdown of current high-profile true crime cases, with legal analysis, practical cautionary advice, and thoughtful guest commentary.