LIVE | Kouri Richins - The Defense tries again. New Ruling changes everything!

Kouri Richins' defense team filed a second motion to extend the deadline for their new trial motion, requesting an additional 20 days until June 30th. Their reasons included attorney travel (one attending a conference, another traveling for a family death), and Kouri's alleged 30-day communication lockdown upon transfer to Utah State Prison. They also cited the need to prepare attachments, including video clips, from the lengthy trial record.

Defense motion filed May 27th, 2026, detailing Miss Nester's conference attendance (May 13-16), Miss Lewis's family death travel (May 29-June 2), Kouri's prison lockdown (May 20th for 30 days), and the need for video editing. (00:30:03, 00:35:48, 00:36:55, 00:38:55, 00:47:54)

Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth strongly opposed the defense's extension request, arguing they had 86 days since the verdict (March 16th) to prepare, including 28 days from sentencing, which is twice the standard 14 days. Bloodworth explicitly stated that counsel has full access to Kouri Richins, even while she is locked down, citing Utah Department of Corrections manuals. He also pointed out that the prosecution team had already scheduled time off based on the expected conclusion of post-trial litigation, and further delays would cause prejudice.

State's opposition to defendant's second motion to extend time. Bloodworth stated, 'The court has permitted the defendant 86 days from verdict to move for a new trial including 28 days from sentencing which is twice the amount of time allotted by rule 24.' He added, 'Contrary to the motion, council has full access to the defendant, even though she is locked down,' citing 'State of Utah Department of Corrections Department Manual FD06 Legal Access.' (00:59:00, 01:01:10, 01:02:26)

Judge M issued an order granting summary judgment to Eric Richins' estate, legally disinheriting Kouri Richins. This ruling, made the day before her criminal sentencing, determined that Kouri committed a 'disqualifying homicide' under Utah's Slayer Statute (Utah code section 75-2-83). Consequently, Kouri forfeits all rights and benefits from Eric's estate and trust, including any intestate share, elective share, joint tenancy interests, and is legally treated as if she predeceased Eric. The judge emphasized that Kouri's criminal conviction, established beyond a reasonable doubt, provided more than sufficient evidence to meet the lower 'preponderance of the evidence' standard required for the civil ruling.

Judge M's order, filed May 12th, 2026, titled 'Order granting motion for summary judgement on petition to determine disqualifying homicide.' Footnote one states, 'Because no one filed an opposition, each material fact from the motion is deemed admitted.' The order explicitly states, 'Corey committed a disqualifying homicide for the purposes of Utah code section 75-2-83. Corey consequently forfeited all rights and benefits she has or may have had with respect to the estate or trust.' The order also clarifies that even without the criminal conviction, 'there is sufficient evidence to conclude by a preponderance that Cory committed aggravated murder.' (02:19:30, 02:21:09, 02:55:52, 02:48:14)