UT v. Kouri Richins - Trial Day 4 - Trial Continues?

Forensic toxicologist Dr. Brianna Peterson testified that Eric Richins' blood contained 15 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl and 3.3 nanograms per milliliter of norfentanyl, a fentanyl metabolite. She noted that 15 ng/mL is five times the lowest reported lethal concentration of fentanyl (3 ng/mL). Crucially, acetal fentanyl, an illicit fentanyl analog, was detected in his gastric fluid, indicating the drug was not a prescribed pharmaceutical but rather illicitly manufactured.

Fentanyl at 15 ng/mL and norfentanyl at 3.3 ng/mL in blood. Acetal fentanyl detected in gastric fluid. Lowest lethal dose cited at 3 ng/mL.

Carmen Lobber, a witness with a history of drug use and felony convictions, testified that Kouri Richins asked her to procure illicit drugs four times. The first purchase was oxycodone from Susan Kohler. The subsequent three purchases were fentanyl from Robert Crozier. Lobber explicitly stated she informed Kouri that the pills from Crozier were fentanyl, and Kouri approved the purchase. These transactions involved cash payments from Kouri, sometimes left at a Midway property, and later a check for $1,300 falsely memoed as 'construction clean midway.'

Lobber's testimony on four drug buys (one from Kohler, three from Crozier). Kouri's approval for fentanyl purchase. $1,000 cash from Midway house, $1,300 check memoed 'construction clean midway.'

During cross-examination, defense attorney Miss Lewis aggressively challenged Carmen Lobber's credibility by highlighting her extensive criminal history (including felony drug distribution), her struggles in drug court (missed tests, positive tests, restarts), and the immunity deals she received from multiple jurisdictions (Summit County, Salt Lake County, federal government, Wasatch County) in exchange for her testimony. Lewis pointed out inconsistencies between Lobber's current testimony and her prior interviews with law enforcement, particularly regarding the specifics of drug deliveries, the drugs requested, and her memory issues.

Lobber's criminal history, drug court struggles (06:50:50). Immunity deals from four jurisdictions (04:15:00). Prior statements differing from trial testimony (e.g., never 'hand-to-hand' exchange vs. giving pills directly to Kouri in driveway) (07:59:50). Law enforcement telling her about fentanyl (08:25:52).

During an afternoon recess, a juror passed a note to a bailiff, expressing concern about an audience member sketching jurors and identifying them by juror number. Court staff confirmed the activity, confiscated the sketchbook, removed the sketches of jurors, and permanently barred the individual from the courtroom. The judge reiterated strict rules against identifying jurors or having audible reactions in court.

Juror's note to bailiff, court staff confirmation, confiscation of sketchbook, removal of individual, judge's statement on the record.