Overview of Dateline’s Book of Lies
NBC News’ Dateline examines the death of Utah businessman Eric Richens, who was found dead in bed in March 2022, and the years-long investigation that turned his widow, Corey Richens, from grieving mother to accused murderer. What began as a seemingly tragic sudden death later unraveled into a case involving fentanyl, financial trouble, a secret affair, estate disputes, and a children’s grief book that prosecutors said masked a much darker story.
What Happened
- Eric Richens, 39, died unexpectedly at home in Willow Court near Park City, Utah.
- His wife, Corey Richens, called 911 and said she had woken up to find him cold and unresponsive.
- At first, friends and family believed he may have died of natural causes or a medical issue.
- But toxicology later revealed fentanyl in Eric’s system, at more than five times a lethal amount.
Core Mystery: Accident, Suicide, or Murder?
Investigators had to determine how Eric ingested fentanyl and whether Corey was involved.
Early assumptions
- Family and friends initially thought Eric’s death might have been:
- an aneurysm,
- a COVID-related complication,
- or an accidental overdose.
What changed the case
- Toxicology showed the fentanyl was street-made, not prescription-grade.
- Investigators found no clear evidence Eric had a drug problem.
- Detectives then began focusing on Corey, her finances, and her communications with her housekeeper.
The Evidence Against Corey
Financial pressure and estate disputes
- Corey was deep in debt from house-flipping projects.
- A forensic accountant testified her liabilities were around $8 million.
- Eric had created a trust putting his sister Katie in charge, which limited Corey’s control over the estate.
- Corey also alleged the family was keeping her from the house and assets, creating a bitter post-death conflict.
The alleged motive
Prosecutors argued Corey had two major motives:
- money
- a new life with another man
They said:
- she was financially desperate,
- she wanted Eric’s life insurance money,
- and she was involved in an affair with Josh Grossman.
Digital and witness evidence
Investigators pointed to:
- deleted text messages between Corey and housekeeper Carmen Lauber
- Corey’s internet searches after Eric’s death, including:
- how to wipe an iPhone,
- whether cops can recover deleted messages,
- signs of FBI investigation,
- and fentanyl dosage information.
The Housekeeper Connection
A major break in the case came from Carmen Lauber:
- Carmen had a criminal/drug history and was in drug court.
- She testified that Corey asked her to help obtain drugs.
- Carmen said she arranged a fentanyl purchase through dealer Robert Crozier.
- According to Carmen, the drugs were left at a fire pit at one of Corey’s flipped homes.
Investigators later said Crozier’s account corroborated Carmen’s story.
The State’s Theory of the Crime
Prosecutors argued Corey tried to kill Eric more than once:
1. Valentine’s Day sandwich
- Eric became ill after eating a meal Corey ordered.
- Prosecutors suggested Corey may have tried to poison him then, but the attempt failed.
2. The final fatal dose
- That night, prosecutors said Corey mixed fentanyl into drinks Eric consumed:
- a Moscow mule
- and a lemon drop shot
- They argued this led to his death in bed later that night.
The Children’s Book and Public Image
After Eric’s death, Corey:
- self-published a grief-focused children’s book, Are You With Me?
- appeared on local TV to promote it as a mother helping her children cope
That public image became central to the episode’s title and theme:
- prosecutors said the book and media appearances were part of a carefully managed facade
- while Corey’s supporters said she was simply a grieving mother trying to help her sons
Trial and Key Testimony
The trial, held nearly four years after Eric’s death, featured:
- 43 witnesses for the prosecution
- evidence from:
- investigators
- forensic accountants
- Eric’s family
- Corey’s alleged lover
- the housekeeper
- and digital forensics experts
Significant courtroom moments
- Corey was accused of acting strangely after Eric’s death, including focusing on the Midway Mansion deal.
- Josh Grossman testified about his relationship with Corey and their future plans.
- Defense attorneys argued:
- the case relied too heavily on unreliable witnesses,
- there was no murder weapon,
- no fentanyl found in the house,
- and no proof Eric didn’t ingest the drug another way.
Verdict and Outcome
- The jury deliberated for only about three hours before returning a verdict.
- Corey Richens was found guilty of aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder.
- She also faced additional financial charges in a separate case.
- She faces 25 years to life in prison.
Main Takeaways
- The case evolved from a mysterious sudden death into a highly layered murder investigation.
- Prosecutors built the case around:
- fentanyl toxicity,
- financial motive,
- digital evidence,
- and testimony from a cooperating housekeeper.
- The episode emphasizes how public grief can hide private deception.
- Eric’s family says the verdict brought justice, but their focus remains on raising his three sons without him.
Notable Theme
The episode’s central question is whether Corey Richens was:
- a devastated widow trying to survive an unimaginable loss,
- or a calculated manipulator who staged grief while planning murder.
By the end of Book of Lies, Dateline makes its position clear: the jury believed the latter.