Former boyfriend of Utah grief author gets emotional during testimony about relationship

Former Boyfriend of Utah Grief Author Gets Emotional During Testimony About Relationship

Robert Josh Grossman, the ex-boyfriend of Kouri Richins, a Utah-based grief author facing trial over her husband’s 2022 poisoning death, displayed visible emotional reactions during his testimony. The hearing took place on Wednesday, as Grossman recounted their bond in the period leading up to and following Eric Richins’ fatal overdose. Richins is accused of administering a lethal dose of fentanyl to her spouse, who died at their home on March 4, 2022, after celebrating her real estate business milestone with a drink.

Throughout his account, Grossman shifted in his seat and repeatedly said, “oh boy,” as text messages between him and Richins were presented. At one point, he lowered his head and wiped his eyes, indicating the weight of the memories. Judge Richard Mrazik inquired if Grossman needed a pause, to which he replied, “I don’t know what I need,” prompting a 5-minute recess. The testimony included details about their relationship, which began when Grossman responded to a job ad for a house she was renovating in South Carolina. He later relocated to Utah to collaborate with her, stating their romance blossomed shortly before the move in early 2020.

“I liked her,” Grossman said, describing how Richins allowed him to reside in one of her flipped homes, provided financial support, and even bought two trucks for him. During the messages, the couple exchanged sentiments of affection, with Richins writing, “Like actually IN LOVE with me? If I was divorced right now and ask you to marry me tomorrow, you would?” Grossman responded, “Yes. In Love with Y O U! Of course I would,” dated February 15, 2022.

When questioned about a post-death discussion, Grossman revealed that Richins inquired about his involvement in the incident. “She asked if I had ever killed anybody,” he said, noting her emotional exhaustion during the conversation. The prosecutor, Bradley Bloodworth, probed whether the question referenced Grossman’s military service in Iraq. Grossman clarified it was more about his feelings, suggesting she sought to redirect the focus away from herself. He described the relationship as dissolving a few months after Eric’s death.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Wendy Lewis asked if Grossman ever felt Eric’s presence would be absent. “No,” he answered, explaining that he initially believed Richins was not responsible for her husband’s death and was shocked by her arrest. He expressed guilt and sorrow, calling his actions “wrongdoings” and acknowledging infidelity. Minyvonne Burke, a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News, provided the article’s source.