The mother of a grief book author is now being investigated further after details emerged from a recently revealed search warrant affidavit. This document suggests that she previously lost a romantic partner due to a 'suspicious' drug overdose.

The investigation into Eric Richins' tragic death in March 2022 from a fentanyl overdose has taken a troubling direction. Detectives from the Summit County Sheriff's Office have found possible connections between Eric's death and a past death due to an overdose involving Lisa Darden, the mother of Kouri Richins, Eric's spouse.

Potential Involvement in Suspicious Overdoses

The information disclosed in the search warrant affidavit indicated that Darden could have been involved in both cases. The affidavit describes a questionable overdose death concerning Darden's former partner in 2006, prompting inquiries into her potential role.

Although Darden has not been charged with any crime, investigators are exploring her connection to both cases. The circumstances surrounding Eric's death came to light during investigations into his passing.

Further scrutiny into Darden's past revealed the unexpected death of her former partner in 2006. The autopsy indicated that the partner succumbed to a drug overdose, specifically from oxycodone poisoning. Darden was named as the beneficiary of her partner's estate.

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Investigators also uncovered conversations between Darden and Kouri, which reveals Darden's negative sentiments toward Eric. Darden and her daughter shared a close relationship and frequently communicated with each other.

Based on these findings, detectives speculate that Darden may have been involved in orchestrating Eric's death. However, investigators faced obstacles in accessing all of Kouri's conversations, as several text messages were reportedly deleted around the time of Eric's death.

Kouri's attorney, Skye Lazaro, denounced these allegations. Lazaro emphasized that Darden's former partner's death was a tragic consequence of opioid addiction, dismissing any insinuations of foul play.

Eric Richins' Fatal Overdose

Kouri recounted celebrating the closure of a property deal for her real estate business with her husband shortly before his fatal overdose, according to authorities. She stated that she had given her husband a Moscow mule drink before finding him unconscious and calling for emergency services.

The autopsy result revealed that he consumed more than five times the fatal dose of fentanyl. According to medical examiners, the drug was illicit and not medical grade. Additionally, the family's housekeeper admitted to supplying Kouri with fentanyl pills on two occasions about a month before Eric's death. Prosecutors noted that Kouri had taken out significant life insurance policies on her husband, totaling nearly $2 million, shortly before his passing.

Following her husband's death, Kouri collaborated with her children to create an illustrated children's book titled "Are You With Me?" The book, featuring a cover illustration resembling her late husband as an angel, aimed to provide comfort to her sons during their grieving process, as stated by Kouri in a television interview promoting the book.

Kouri is faced with charges of aggravated murder and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. Despite her denial of the allegations, she remains in custody awaiting trial.

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