Detective Threatened Witness With "Catch Pole for the Dog" — Kouri Richins Case Explodes

The Kouri Richins murder case just took a sharp turn nobody saw coming — and it's not about the defendant. It's about how the prosecution has allegedly been treating its own witnesses.

Defense attorneys filed a motion this week revealing text messages they say show lead detective Jeff O'Driscoll threatening a reluctant witness with arrest, jail, and a "catch pole for the dog" if she didn't comply with witness prep. A second witness with immunity was allegedly told by investigator Travis Hopper that their deal was conditional on continued cooperation — cooperation they say they already provided two years ago.

This is the same Detective O'Driscoll whose credibility was challenged in January suppression hearings after the defense claimed he testified falsely about knowing Richins had an attorney. An outside investigation found no evidence of untruthfulness, but the questions remain.

Meanwhile, the prosecution's key drug source — Robert Crozier — has recanted his statement that he sold fentanyl to Richins' housekeeper. He now claims it was OxyContin. Prosecutors argue the recantation doesn't hold up. The defense says it "throws a grenade" into the state's case.

Kouri Richins has pleaded not guilty and maintained her innocence since her May 2023 arrest. She's accused of fatally poisoning her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl in March 2022. Trial begins February 23rd.

When state witnesses start asking the defense for help, something has gone sideways.

#KouriRichins #HiddenKillers #WitnessIntimidation #EricRichins #UtahMurder #TrueCrimePodcast #FentanylMurder #DetectiveODriscoll #CriminalJustice #MurderTrial

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This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.