Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Kouri Richins remains in Summit County Jail, after the judge denies a defense motion to reconsider bail and release. In addition to the murder charges in the death of her husband,  Richins faces over two dozen charges in a separate case alleging she committed mortgage fraud,  submitted falsified banks statements, committed money laundering and issued bad checks. 

Meanwhile, Kouri Richins' defense alleges that the Summit County Sheriff’s Office illegally obtained evidence while investigating the death of Eric Richins.

Defense attorneys Kathy Nester and Wendy Lewis say detectives violated Richins' constitutional rights and argue that the evidence should be ruled inadmissible during her murder trial.  

At the center of the motion are the "Walk the Dog" letter and data from her phone and Apple accounts. Defense attorneys argue that investigators took Kouri’s phone without a proper warrant and failed to inform her of her right to remain silent, her right to request a lawyer, and her right to refuse questioning.  

The case began when Eric Richins became violently ill on multiple occasions after having dinner with his wife, Kouri.  

The couple, who owned a successful real estate business, was celebrating a big sale when Kouri Richins prepared a drink for her husband. She then went to care for their children. Hours later, when she went to bed, Eric Richins was dead.  

Investigators believe his wife killed him by putting a fatal dose of fentanyl in his drink. Police also discovered that Kouri Richins attempted to change the beneficiary of her husband's life insurance policy.

Joining Nancy Grace Today:

Former Colleton County Clerk of Court Mary Rebecca “Becky” Hill pleads guilty  to four charges — obstruction of justice and perjury for showing a reporter photographs that were sealed court exhibits and then lying about it. There are also two counts of misconduct in office for taking bonuses and promoting through her public office a book she wrote on the trial.  Judge Heath Taylor sentenced Hill to three years of probation.

This as the South Carolina's Supreme Court  granted Alex Murdaugh's request for a new trial in the murders of his wife and son. At the heart of the appeal and review is whether former South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal fairly denied Murdaugh a new murder trial. The Supreme Court could reverse or overturn that ruling – and could order the court to give him a new trial.

Claims that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, being involved in talking improperly to jurors. A hearing was held with Judge Jean Toal presiding one juror, identified as Juror Z, said Becky Hill told jurors to watch Murdaugh "closely" and "made it seem like he was already guilty." When asked if this influenced her vote to find Murdaugh guilty, the juror said “Yes, ma’am.” Toal said Becky Hill was not a credible witness and denied Murdaugh a new trial, but with Hill's plea, will Murdaugh be granted a new trial in February? 

Joining Nancy Grace Today:

On December 3, in Sebastian County, Arkansas, the sheriff's office was called to conduct a welfare check on Charity Beallis at the family mansion in Bonanza.

Police fail to get a response from inside the mansion, so two workers escort officers into the home. Officers locate the body of Charity Beallis and two children.

All three appear to have gunshot wounds and are sent to the Arkansas crime lab in Little Rock for autopsy.

Charity Beallis's and her twins' murder comes one day after attending a final divorce hearing with her ex-husband, Dr. Randal Beallis.

Randy and Charity Beallis marry in 2015 and have twins, a son and daughter, in 2019. Charity Beallis files for divorce and full custody of the couple's twins, as well as an order of protection. In the final divorce hearing, Dr. Randy Beallis is awarded joint custody of the children.

10 years of marriage ends with Randy Beallis charged with aggravated assault on a family member, third-degree domestic battery, and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. Randy Beallis stands accused of causing physical harm to his wife and mother of his children by choking her.

Beallis is carted off to jail, while Charity Beallis makes plans to file for divorce. No charges have been filed, and Dr. Beallis is innocent until proven guilty. 

Joining Nancy Grace:

• John Powell- Son of Charity Powell-Beallis
• Randy Powell - Father of Charity Powell-Beallis
• Greg Morse - Criminal Defense Attorney of Morse Legal, author of “The Untested” found on Amazon; website: morselegal.com
• Dr. Janie Lacy - Licensed Psychotherapist and CEO of Life Counseling Solutions, Author of "How To Heal From A Toxic Relationship: A Guide To Reclaiming Your Mental Health and Happiness", Host of “The Resilient Professional” Podcast on YouTube, janielacy.com, Instagram & Facebook: @JanieLacy
• Chris McDonough - Director at the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective, worked over 300 Homicides in 25-year career, Trained the first Native American Homicide Task Force; & Host of YouTube channel, "The Interview Room”
• Joseph Scott Morgan - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, "Blood Beneath My Feet", Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan", Instagram @JoScottForensic
• Doug Warner - News Anchor / Reporter at KNWA NBC51, 13 Emmy Awards and four-time Reporter of the Year recipient,  website: nwahomepage.com, Instagram: DougWarnerTV, Facebook: DougWarner.Journalist
• Dave Mack - Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories'

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