Wednesday evening’s matchup between the Fever and the Sparks reached an intense climax, largely due to Caitlin Clark’s actions.

The star player from the Fever received her inaugural technical foul of the season shortly after the buzzer signaled the end of the second quarter.

In the last 20 seconds of the first half, the 24-year-old was charged with an offensive foul, shifting possession to Los Angeles.

As the first half concluded, Sparks standout Cameron Brink attempted a three-pointer, which missed its mark. Following the play, Clark promptly approached referee Jason Alabanza, resulting in her technical foul just as Indiana made their way to the locker room for halftime.

According to the Indy Star, the financial penalty for accruing technical fouls from one to three this season has increased, with the WNBA’s updated collective bargaining agreement raising the fine to $500, up from the previous $200.

Clark now has nine technicals in her professional career — six during her rookie season and two in an injury-plagued 2025.

She still got off to a strong start in the game stat-wise with 11 points (on 5-for-9 shooting from the field), six assists, two steals and two rebounds.

In Indiana’s first game of the year, Clark had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in a loss to the Wings.

Clark said after the opening day loss, her first game in 10 months, that she was feeling OK after a cool start.

“I feel good, started off a little slow I think just the anxiety of the first game,” she told reporters on Saturday. “Felt like I was literally just a couple of buckets away from putting together a really, really good game and getting a win.”

The individual who accused former NFL player Antonio Brown of attempting to shoot him has failed to show up for his deposition, which was scheduled for Wednesday in Florida. The incident allegedly took place outside a Miami boxing event last year.

Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, aged 41, was expected to participate in the deposition via Zoom at 10 a.m. However, a court filing shared with The Daily Mail by Brown’s attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, indicated that Nantambu was absent by 10:10 a.m.

Following this no-show, Judge Tinkler Mendez has mandated that Nantambu appear in person before the Miami-Dade County Judicial Circuit Court on Friday morning to account for his absence. This information comes from a press release issued by Eiglarsh’s legal firm. The Daily Mail is currently seeking confirmation from court officials regarding this development.

While Eiglarsh asserts that Nantambu was “properly served,” Nantambu himself told The Daily Mail over the phone that he was unaware of the scheduled deposition and Mendez’s order. Nantambu, who resides in New Orleans, expressed his surprise, saying, “I had no idea,” during the conversation on Wednesday.

‘I had no idea,’ Nantambu, a New Orleans resident, told The Daily Mail on Wednesday.

Nantambu’s absence could prove fortuitous for Brown, who is seeking to dismiss the case on the basis of Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law. Brown has claimed he was acting in self defense on May 16, 2025 when he was seen in viral video running towards a melee with a firearm in hand.

Antonio Brown was arrested in November after fleeing to the UAE following the shooting 

Nantambu, a jewelry designer, is a strong supporter of Sudanese and Palestinian refugees

Brown appears to pull out a gun before shots are fired outside a boxing match in May of 2025

‘I think this is a significant development,’ Eiglarsh told The Daily Mail in an email. ‘We are not surprised at all. It’s clearly apparent that he wants to avoid going under oath and having to reveal the truth of what occurred. It would only favor my client.’

The Daily Mail has also sought comment from Nantambu’s attorney, Emily Posner.

Brown has pleaded not guilty and could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.  

Mendez’s ruling comes at a busy time for Nantambu, who is set to be sentenced in Louisiana for his on-field protest during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance in February of 2025. Earlier this week, New Orleans judge Juana Marine-Lombard found Nantambu guilty of resisting an officer but not guilty of disturbing the peace by interruption of a lawful assembly.

Nantambu could get up to six months in prison for his role in that protest, which was aimed at raising awareness of refugees being killed in Gaza and Sudan.

Although Nantambu was pleased with Lombard’s ruling, he remains nervous about his June 1 sentencing: ‘I pray I’m not incarcerated behind this.’ 

The NFL took a keen interest in the case, according to Nantambu, who claimed to see several high-ranking league security officials at his trial.

‘The NFL flew in two people,’ Nantambu said. ‘So when I saw the guy in there with a suit on and an NFL pin, I was like: “Oh, they taking this serious.”‘

The Daily Mail has reached out for comment from the NFL about Nantambu, who has been banned from league games for life.

On Tuesday, Nantambu’s attorney told The Daily Mail that Lombard’s ruling ‘assures that the NFL does not dictate how the criminal legal system works.’

In an unrelated incident, Nantambu arrested during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show as he protested the killing of refugees in both Gaza and Sudan. He could face six months in prison 

Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu was seen unfurling a pro-Sudan and pro-Gaza flag Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance in 2025 in New Orleans 

The two men have been feuding since 2022 when Nantambu, a jewelry designer, claimed Brown stole a valuable pendant of his in Dubai ahead of a Floyd Mayweather Jr. boxing event. Nantambu further said Brown lied to police in the United Arab Emirates, accusing him of theft, resulting in Nantambu’s brief imprisonment.

Eiglarsh’s motion to dismiss frames Nantambu as the thief: ‘Additionally, in 2022, Nantambu was jailed in Dubai for thirty days after stealing Brown’s jewelry.’

Nantambu sued Brown in Florida in 2022 and ultimately won a $968,960 verdict that was later vacated in 2024 before the case was dismissed. The jeweler has since pursued a partial reduced judgement of $123,600 in federal bankruptcy court as Brown continued to deny the allegations of theft, as seen those filings.

The 2025 shooting took place outside an Adin Ross boxing event, where the two unexpectedly crossed paths.

Brown allegedly called security to swarm Nantambu before running to grab his gun, the jeweler told The Daily Mail last year.

One video, provided to Daily Mail by Nantambu, showed him fighting with a group of men before an individual matching Brown’s description abruptly fled. Another viral video of the incident appeared to show Brown returning to the melee with a gun in hand.

Eiglarsh conceded in his motion to dismiss that Brown fled the brawl only to return with a concealed firearm. However, Eiglarsh insists Brown only fired ‘warning shots’ while ‘intentionally aiming away from Nantambu to ensure he would not be struck.’

‘Brown hoped the warning shots would deter Nantambu’s aggression, allowing Brown to safely reach his vehicle and leave the scene,’ read the motion.

In a picture purportedly from Dubai in 2022, Zül-Qarnaįn Nantambu is seen standing on a yacht. As he told Daily Mail, it’s Antonio Brown who is pictured wearing red in the background

Zül-Qarnaįn Nantambu, who goes by ‘@fff_zulqarnain‘ on Instagram, shared photos of his injuries with Daily Mail. Nantambu says a bullet grazed his neck and he broke a finger 

Former NFL star wide receiver Antonio Brown, left, greets his attorney Mark Russell Eiglarsh, right, after being released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in November

Previously, Nantambu told The Daily Mail a bullet grazed his neck during the incident.

‘He ran to get the gun. He shot at me. I think he grazed my neck. We started fighting for the gun,’ Nantambu told The Daily Mail in 2025. ‘The adrenaline is going crazy. He ran into me. I threw him on the ground. A gun fell. We start scrambling for the gun on the ground.’

It was at this point cops arrived, according to Nantambu. Despite the violent uproar, police made no arrests and Brown wrote on X soon after that he was considering potential legal action against ‘the individuals that jumped me.’

Instead, Brown fled to Dubai before ultimately being extradited to the US in November. He has since been released from jail on $25,000 bond as his former Florida home has surfaced on the market.

It’s unclear if Brown is the seller in this case or if he’s already been relieved of the home as part of the liquidation process. A transaction record for the property shows it was put up for sale by Brown in March of 2024 but does not list any buyer. He originally purchased the property in 2021, while he was still with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brown’s looming attempted-murder trial is just the latest dramatic episode of his turbulent life.

A legendary receiver for the Steelers who later won a title with the Bucs, Brown’s career was derailed by a series of on- and off-field incidents involving trainers, teammates, coaches and executives.

The seven-time Pro Bowler last appeared on the field in January 2022, when he was seen arguing with Bucs coaches and ripping off his pads in the middle of a game against the Jets. He then left the field, never to play in another NFL game.

Two undocumented immigrants in Dallas are now facing capital murder charges following the alleged shooting of a pregnant 17-year-old, which tragically resulted in the death of her unborn child, as reported by authorities.

Yeremy Alexander Zapata Aleman, 17, from Honduras, and Keyner Ariel Calero Jiron, 20, from Nicaragua, both of whom entered the U.S. illegally, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are accused of the crime. The incident reportedly began with an argument in a 7-Eleven parking lot, escalating into a drive-by shooting and a subsequent police pursuit, as detailed by KDFW.

This tragic event unfolded on May 3, at approximately 12:40 a.m.

The young woman, who was pregnant, was in a car with another individual who had a confrontation with Zapata Aleman and Calero Jiron before leaving the 7-Eleven. According to the victims, the suspects pursued them as they departed from the parking area.

A mugshot from May 3, 2026, shows Keyner Ariel Calero Jiron, 20, who was taken into custody on charges of capital murder. (Dallas County Jail via KDFW)

Calero Jiron was allegedly driving the car when the shots rang out, striking the victim and her unborn child. Another vehicle was also struck by gunfire, but the driver was uninjured.

Police later located Calero Jiron’s vehicle and say he led them on a pursuit, eventually crashing.

Authorities say they found cocaine and MDMA in the vehicle along with illegal weapons.

A May 3, 2026, mugshot of Yeremy Alexander Zapata Aleman, 17, who has been arrested for capital murder.  (Dallas County Jail via KDFW)

When the victim, who was 22 weeks pregnant, told police she was carrying a child, she was taken to nearby Baylor Hospital where a cesarean section was performed. The baby did not survive.

If convicted on the capital murder charges, both Zapata Aleman and Calero Jiron could face the death penalty.

Along with the murder charge, Calero Jiron faces five counts of felony aggravated assault, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of unlawfully carrying a weapon.

Law enforcement personnel respond to a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 24, 2025. (Jeffrey McWhorter/Reuters)

Zapata Aleman faces five counts of felony aggravated assault and one count of possession of cocaine along with his murder charges.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further comment.

In Chicago, a disturbing investigation is unfolding as the ABC7 I-Team delves into the activities of a local businessman accused of orchestrating a deceitful scheme. The man in question, Brandon Ellington, who also goes by the moniker “Brandon Mr. Finance,” is at the center of allegations involving financial misconduct, with accusations that he defrauded numerous individuals out of significant sums of money.

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has become a hub for complaints against Ellington. These grievances outline a troubling pattern where Ellington allegedly persuaded individuals to secure loans and invest in his ventures with the promise of substantial returns. However, when these promised returns failed to materialize, and monthly payments ceased, frustrated clients turned to the I-Team for assistance, seeking accountability and answers.

The I-Team’s investigation has brought to light the stories of more than ten individuals from the Chicagoland area who assert that they are collectively owed tens of thousands of dollars by Ellington. Their accounts paint a picture of trust betrayed, as they recount how they were compelled to invest in hopes of financial gain, only to find themselves out of pocket and without recourse.

One such affected individual is Luviner Walker, who struggles to recount her experience without tears. Her emotional story echoes the sentiments of many others who feel deceived and defrauded, their hopes for financial growth dashed by unfulfilled promises.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Luviner Walker can barely share her story without crying.

Walker said she learned about Brandon Mr. Finance’s so called investment program after hearing him on the radio. She says he convinced her to take out loans totaling $50,000 and invest the money with his business. In return, he’d send her monthly payments.

Walker says he promised her a profit of $35,000. She received some monthly payments from Mr. Finance, but she says out of nowhere, he stopped paying.

“I keep trying to reach him to get my money,” Walker said. “It’s to the point where I might have to do something with my house and move in with my daughter.”

Shederick Ricks shared a similar story. He says he got a few payments, and then Mr. Finance stopped paying him, too.

“He put me in a position where I got to work about two to three years, when I was in a position to retire, because I have to pay the bank,” Ricks said.

Clients say they thought Mr. Finance was legitimate because of his enticing sales pitch, along with radio and TV promotions.

Melody Woods says she was also duped after taking out a loan and paying Mr. Finance $25,000.

“He’s not returning calls. He’s blowing smoke,” Woods said. “I had no idea that there were so many other people.”

Maurice Shelton says he took out a high-interest loan to pay Mr. Finance, and hasn’t gotten a dime back. Now, he says it’s hard to make ends meet.

“I try to eat three times a day, but sometimes can just get one meal a day now,” Shelton said. “I don’t know how I’m going to do moving forward.”

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office told the I-Team it has received several complaints about Mr. Finance.

The Secretary of State’s Securities Department says under state law, anyone providing investment advice for compensation must register with their office. Neither Ellington nor his company, Access Capital Today Inc., are currently registered.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias filed a temporary order of prohibition against Ellington and his company, prohibiting him from “acting as an investment advisor or investment advisor representative in or from the state of Illinois… in the public interest and for the protection of the investing public.”

Mr. Finance is facing a lawsuit filed by one his clients, accusing him of “targeting the elderly in Chicagoland,” and convincing that client to “loan him money” knowing that “only he stood to be enriched.” Mr. Finance has not responded to the lawsuit.

Just this week, the I-Team learned some clients received this email from Mr. Finance’s company, informing them the company is closing: “Our obligations to you remain a priority, and we are actively making the necessary arrangements to bring proper closure to all outstanding matters… above all, making our partners whole remains paramount.”

Stunned by what they know now, the group of consumer aren’t sure if they’ll ever get the rest of their money back.

In a statement, Ellington told the I-Team, in part, “I’m not interested in litigating this through Channel 7. The claims you say that multiple individuals have made are not true and I do not know why the people you say you have spoken with have chosen to mislead you. They should have told you that I have offered to fully refund every person who has not already completed the program. Except for those who initially rejected my offer. I am already in the process of paying those refunds.”

After the I-Team got involved, some people said Brandon Mr. Finance sent them a payment, with a promise of making them whole and sending their balance in the coming weeks.

As for the temporary order of prohibition from the Secretary of State, the I-Team reached out, and Brandon Mr. Finance has not responded to the filing.

To file a consumer complaint with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, click here: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/file-a-complaint/

To file consumer complaint with the FBI, click here: https://www.ic3.gov/

Sam is on your side. If you have a problem, call the I-Team at 312-750-7TIP.

An alarming road-rage incident was captured on video Monday when an Army veteran, who suffers from PTSD, reported that a woman exited her vehicle and sprayed him in the face with pepper spray because she believed he was driving too slowly.

This altercation occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Wilson Avenue by the Vallejo waterfront. The area was recently equipped with “speed tables,” which are designed to reduce vehicle speed to 15 miles per hour in specific sections of a road that otherwise allows for 30 mph travel.

The individual involved, Joe Vallely, was driving a company bucket truck used for maintaining internet infrastructure for city departments when he noticed a Nissan Altima closely following and expressing impatience.

“The presence of speed bumps necessitates slow driving,” remarked Vallely, a father of two, to KTVU. He explained that he was already proceeding cautiously because of the road layout and the dimensions of his vehicle.

The situation grew more intense as both vehicles navigated the narrow, single-lane road.

“I noticed someone was tailgating me and flipping me off,” he said. “And I’m driving the bucket truck slow because it’s big and old and heavy.”

The situation boiled over when the road widened near Hichborn Street.

Vallely said the woman sped around him, cut in front, and slammed on her brakes, forcing him to stop suddenly while other cars were still behind him.

That’s when things turned violent.

Video recorded by Vallely shows the woman stepping out of her vehicle, approaching his work truck, and unleashing pepper spray directly into his open window.

“You scared? You should be scared b-” the woman says just before spraying him at close range.

Vallely immediately screamed in pain as the chemical hit his eyes.

“She got me directly in the eyeballs.”

“Ow!” he can be heard shouting repeatedly in the footage.

Despite the attack, Vallely said he did not engage with the woman at any point, instead trying to avoid escalation.

Blinded by the spray, Vallely somehow drove to a nearby liquor store to rinse his eyes before later receiving treatment at Kaiser Permanente for an eye flush.

Vallely, a process server, said the attack has left him shaken while simply doing his job on the road.

Authorities with Vallejo police say they believe they have identified the suspect and intend to forward the case to the Solano County District Attorney’s Office for review

The California Post contacted the Vallejo Police Department and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office regarding the investigation into the alleged attacker.

In a display of grandeur reminiscent of imperial ceremonies, President Donald Trump was welcomed with open arms by China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The reception was nothing short of spectacular, featuring an array of goose-stepping soldiers, the thunderous roar of cannons, and enthusiastic groups of flag-waving children, a level of honor seldom granted to an American leader.

During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Trump was full of praise for Xi. He expressed his admiration by describing the event as “an honor like few have ever seen before.” Trump was particularly taken with the vibrant display of young children, whom he described as “happy and beautiful.”

Seated across from Xi, Trump conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s an honor to be with you, it’s an honor to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.” This sentiment highlighted his desire for strengthening ties between the two nations.

President Xi reciprocated with a thoughtful remark, referencing the concept known as the “Thucydides Trap.” He emphasized the importance of overcoming this historical challenge, cautioning Trump that “the whole world is watching our meeting.” This term, derived from the writings of the ancient Greek historian Thucydides, speaks to the potential for conflict when a dominant power perceives a rising power as a threat.

The phrase refers to the ancient Greek historian Thucydides’ account of Athens and Sparta, and describes the danger of conflict when an established power feels threatened by a rising civilization.

‘The world has come to a new crossroads. Can China and the US overcome the Thucydides trap and create a new paradigm of relations?’ Xi asked Trump across the table.

‘These are the questions vital to history, to the world, and to the people. They are the questions of our times that you and I need to answer as leaders of major countries.’ 

It is Trump’s first face-to-face with Xi since the Iran war erupted on February 28. 

Trump walked over to Xi, who was waiting by the steps, and the pair shook hands, with Trump warmly patting the Chinese leader’s hand as they exchanged a few words

President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Beijing

President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Beijing

President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14

Xi Jinping speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People on May 14

U.S. President Donald Trump participates in an expanded bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 14

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, stands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

The President’s motorcade swept into Tiananmen Square at 10.01am Thursday almost exactly on schedule, with Trump emerging moments later in his signature dark suit and red tie to a blaring military fanfare. 

He walked over to Xi, who was waiting by the steps, and the pair shook hands, with Trump affectionately patting the Chinese leader’s hand as they exchanged a few words. 

Xi, accompanied by Trump, then worked the front row of the heavyweight US delegation lined up on the steps, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The two leaders then mounted a red and gold dais as a military band struck up the Star Spangled Banner and troops in full ceremonial dress marched past.

Thundering cannon salutes boomed across Tiananmen Square round after round as Trump stood beside Xi, before the President broke into a broad smile as he saluted the troops.

A crowd of brightly dressed Chinese schoolchildren waved flowers and US and Chinese flags while chanting ‘welcome, welcome, welcome to China’. 

The pair finally swept into the Great Hall after around 20 minutes of pageantry, US cabinet secretaries, officials and American business executives filing in behind them.

US President Donald Trump (R) and China’s President Xi Jinping (L) greet children waving Chinese and US national flags and flowers during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14

U.S. President Donald Trump participates in an welcome ceremony with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 14

President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14

U.S. President Donald Trump is welcomed by children during a ceremony with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China

Trump is traveling with a delegation that includes his son Eric and daughter-in-law Lara, and Silicon Valley bosses Elon Musk of Tesla and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang. 

The two leaders will now buckle down for a roughly two-hour bilateral behind closed doors. 

The President is expected to press Xi to lean on Iran to accept a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Xi is widely expected to push for tariff relief and access to American-designed AI chips.

The summit was originally slated for March but was postponed when the war broke out.

The scene as U.S. President Donald Trump participates in events at the Great Hall of the People and does a greeting with the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping May 14

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (bottom C), US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (bottom centre R), Secretary of State Marco Rubio (bottom R), Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang (second row R),senior advisor Stephen Miller (bottom L), Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk (centre R second row) and Apple CEO Tim Cook (centre L middle row) attend a welcome ceremony for US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14

Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People on May 14

US President Donald Trump (L) takes part in a welcome ceremony with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14

Military members yell as President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People

US President Donald Trump (R) prepares to shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping 

An honor guard stands at attention prior to a welcome ceremony for U.S. President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People on May 14

Chinese President Xi Jinping stands with US President Donald Trump 

Trump walks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People

Members of the U.S. delegation including (front 2L-R) Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ambassador to China David Perdue, and CEOs from various industries stand prior to a welcome ceremony for U.S. President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People on May 14

Trump salutes next to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on May 14

Xi Jinping (L) greets US President Donald Trump (C) during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping greets U.S. President Donald Trump during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing

A motorcade that is believed to be carrying U.S. President Donald Trump travels on Chang’an Avenue in Beijing

Trump participates in an welcome ceremony with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 14

Trump and Xi, leading the world’s two largest economies, have plenty to hammer out over their two days together. 

Trump called on Xi to ‘open up’ his economy further to US businesses on Wednesday, with a 17-strong cohort of American CEOs flown in to the White House to act as economic negotiators and iron out roadblocks to further investment. 

The President arrived late Wednesday evening local time in the Chinese capital before heading to his hotel for rest.

Trump was greeted on the tarmac by a military band, roughly 300 students waving US and Chinese flags and the nation’s Vice President Han Zheng.

A Utah author, known for penning children’s books to help her sons navigate the waters of grief, was sentenced to life imprisonment without the chance of parole on Wednesday. Her conviction came after it was revealed she had murdered her husband using a drink tainted with fentanyl.

The case of Kouri Richins caught widespread attention, weaving a tale of alleged avarice, deceit, and the profound emotional repercussions for those involved.

Judge Richard Mrazik, in delivering the life sentence, took into account the comprehensive details of the case as dictated by Utah law. He emphasized the gravity of the crime and its significant impact, particularly on the couple’s three sons.

Documents reveal that the sons themselves had expressed their wish for their mother to receive a life sentence, voicing their fear of her.

Kouri Richins was seen alongside her defense attorney, Wendy Lewis, during the sentencing hearing held at the 3rd District Court in Park City on May 13, 2026. (Photo credit: Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)

The judge noted that, even under a lesser sentence of 25 years to life, Richins likely would not have been eligible for parole until around age 66.

The judge said the sentence ensures Richins “will be unable to harm anyone for the next three decades or much longer,” while acknowledging the long-term emotional toll on her children.

He said he has “genuine concern” for the boys in the decades ahead and could not predict how their views may evolve over time, expressing hope that those affected by Eric Richins’ death will eventually find peace.

The judge added that Kouri Richins is “simply too dangerous to ever be free.”

Before handing down the sentence, the judge warned those in the courtroom to remain composed.

Kouri Richins reacts to an impact statement from Katie Richins-Benson during her sentencing in 3rd District Court in Park City, Utah, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)

“This is an emotionally charged situation, reasonably so, but no outward reactions,” Mrazik said.

Richins sat at the defense table in a lime green jail uniform as her supporters filled the back rows, while Eric Richins’ family sat just feet away.

Prosecutors called victim witnesses, beginning with Eric’s father, Gene, who described a son devoted to his family.

“Eric was first and foremost an incredible father,” he said. “To his three boys, his sons were his world.

Utah author Kouri Richins allegedly attempted to steal her husband Eric Richins’ life insurance benefits before his death in March 2022. (Family Handout)

“The sports teams still break their huddle by saying, ‘1-2-3 Eric,’” he added. “Eric’s boys lost a father. I lost my son.”

Eric’s sister, Katie, spoke next on what would have been his 44th birthday.

“Today is Eric’s birthday. I stand before you because he can’t,” she said.

Body camera footage of Kouri Richins is displayed on a monitor during her murder trial at the Summit County Courthouse in Park City, Utah, on Feb. 23, 2026. (Spenser Heaps/AP Photo)

She accused Richins of cutting the boys off from family and trying to access their father’s assets.

“She used them as a bargaining chip,” Katie said, adding Richins spent years fighting for control of trust funds.

Katie also described her brother’s fears about the marriage, telling the court he believed Richins was “the most evil person he had ever met.”

“He knew his sons did not like her and preferred to be far away from her,” she said. “He said he could never allow his children to spend half of their time alone with her.”

Statements from the couple’s children were also read in court, describing fear and trauma.

Kouri Richins appears at a sentencing hearing with defense attorney Wendy Lewis, left, in 3rd District Court in Park City Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)

“I woke up to sirens… I was scared,” one child wrote.

“You took away my dad for no reason other than greed,” the other said.

In records obtained by People, the children also expressed fear of their mother being released.

Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without parole for killing her husband. (Facebook/Kouri Richins)

“I’m afraid if she gets out, she will come after me and my brothers,” one wrote.

Prosecutors urged the court to hold Richins fully accountable.

“Kouri Richins earned this,” Summit County Attorney Brad Bloodworth said. “Fathers are not meant to bury sons.”

Amy Richins delivers an impact statement during the sentencing of Kouri Richins in 3rd District Court in Park City, Utah, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)

The sentencing fell on what would have been Eric Richins’ 44th birthday.

During the hearing, prosecutors asked the judge to bar Richins from contacting her children unless they initiated it, but the judge said he could not legally grant that request.

“I don’t like what I’m about to say, but under the law, I cannot,” Mrazik said.

The court scheduled a restitution hearing for July 31.

The defense presented letters asking for leniency, while a pastor described Richins as active in jail programs.

Richins became emotional as her brother addressed her directly.

“Little sister, I love you. I miss you,” he said.

Gene Richins delivers an impact statement during the sentencing of Kouri Richins in 3rd District Court in Park City, Utah, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)

Richins then addressed the court, speaking directly to her children.

“My sweet baby boys,” she said. “I know today you don’t want to speak with me. … That’s OK.”

She urged them not to let the case define them.

“Use those opportunities to grow and to learn. They do not define you.”

Richins claimed she had tried to contact them but had been cut off.

“I have been desperately trying to get in contact with you,” she said.

She insisted she had not abandoned them.

“I did not abandon you, regardless of what anyone tells you.”

She also reflected on her marriage, acknowledging infidelity on both sides.

“I fell in love with someone who wasn’t your dad. … Your dad fell in love with someone who wasn’t me.”

Kouri Richins was convicted of killing her husband, Eric Richins. (Facebook/ Kouri Richins)

“We forgave and moved on, and we loved. Our love was enough. Your love is all you need to ignore the noise,” she added.

Richins also denied killing her husband and said she will continue fighting the conviction.

“Murder? No. Absolutely not,” she said. “I will not be blamed for something I did not do.”

After the sentencing, Richins’ brother shared an exclusive statement with Fox News defending her and sharply criticizing the case against her.

“Today is not justice,” he wrote. “Money, greed and opportunity have ruled the day.”

He accused prosecutors and law enforcement of misconduct, calling the case “corruption” and a justice system that has “lost its way.”

“Kouri is innocent. We stand with her fully,” he wrote, adding the family plans to pursue an appeal.

Defense attorney Kathy Nester echoed Richins’ brother and said they plan to appeal and seek a new trial. The judge granted 28 days to file the appeal.

Richins was convicted earlier this year of murdering her husband, along with multiple counts of fraud and forgery tied to what prosecutors described as a calculated plot to collect nearly $2 million in life insurance while drowning in roughly $7.5 million in debt.

Jurors heard she closed on a $2.9 million mansion the same day her husband died and later spent more than $1.3 million in insurance proceeds within months.

Investigators testified that Eric Richins had more than five times the lethal amount of fentanyl in his system. Prosecutors also pointed to an earlier alleged attempt to poison him weeks before his death.

The case drew national attention, not only for the allegations, but for what followed.

After her husband’s death, Richins published a children’s book about grief meant to help her sons cope with the loss, a detail prosecutors said underscored the calculated nature of the crime.