In the U.S. state of Utah, children’s book author Kouri Richins has been found guilty of murdering her husband by serving him a drink laced with fentanyl. On Wednesday, the court sentenced her to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The case generated widespread public attention across the United States. While delivering the verdict, Judge Richard Mrazik stated that he had carefully weighed the entire circumstances of the case, the gravity of the crime, and its overall impact.

In particular, he took into consideration the impact of the crime on the couple’s three children. Court records reveal that it was the couple’s own children who had advocated for a life sentence for their mother; they stated that they were afraid of her. The judge noted that, even had a lesser sentence been imposed, Richins would likely not have been eligible for release before the age of 66. He further remarked that, as a result of this verdict, Richins would be unable to cause harm to anyone for the next three decades—or possibly even longer.

The judge expressed deep concern regarding the future of the victim’s three children. However, he expressed hope that, one day, the family members of the deceased—Eric Richins—would find peace. Prior to announcing the verdict, the judge instructed everyone present in the courtroom to maintain composure. He further commented that Kouri Richins is so dangerous that she should never be allowed to live as a free woman.