Financial motives drove the accused to kill her husband by poisoning The accused faces a sentence of life imprisonment or up to 25 years

An American court convicted a 35-year-old children’s book author of killing her husband by lacing his drink with a lethal dose of fentanyl, in a crime that shocked the public due to its financial motives and shocking nature.

The court found Kory Richens guilty of first-degree murder, in addition to charges related to insurance fraud, after three hours of jury deliberation. Investigations confirmed that the crime was committed for financial gain, as the accused faced millions in debt from her real estate business, motivating her to plan to benefit from her husband’s life insurance policies.

Trial revealed shocking details The trial lasted several weeks, with the prosecution calling around 40 witnesses, while the defense presented no witnesses. During the sessions, a close friend testified that the accused felt "trapped" in her marriage and had previously suggested that it might be better if her husband were dead.

Her former romantic partner also testified, confirming a relationship between them. The prosecution presented text messages implying her desire to get rid of her husband, including: “If only he would leave and you were here… life would be perfect.”

Investigators also found online searches made by the accused regarding “lethal fentanyl dose,” “how to record death in poisoning cases,” and “luxury prisons for the wealthy,” supporting the theory of premeditation.

Expected sentence Richens faces life imprisonment or up to 25 years, with the final verdict expected in May, in a case that highlights financially motivated domestic homicides, shocking the public at large.