Book of Lies

The Dateline episode 'Book of Lies' tells the chilling story of Corey Richens, a grieving widow who, after her husband Eric Richens' sudden death at age 39, became the center of a murder investigation. Initially portrayed as a devoted mother and author of a children's book on grief, Corey's life unraveled when toxicology reports revealed Eric died from a lethal dose of fentanyl—more than five times the fatal amount—despite having no known drug history. What began as a tragic loss quickly transformed into a complex web of secrets, financial desperation, and betrayal. Corey had secretly borrowed $250,000 against their home without Eric’s knowledge, forged his signature, and was deep in debt from a failing house-flipping business. Her husband, suspicious of her financial mismanagement and possibly her loyalty, had secretly created a trust placing control of his estate in his sister’s hands and removed Corey from any financial authority. Months after Eric’s death, anonymous emails accused Corey of murder, and investigators uncovered a pattern of suspicious behavior: a failed attempt to poison Eric with a fentanyl-laced sandwich, a flurry of texts with her housekeeper Carmen Lauber—who had a drug history and was later found with Eric’s obituary in her home—and a plan to use fentanyl to kill him, allegedly orchestrated through Carmen. The prosecution built a compelling case, presenting digital evidence, financial records, and testimony from a lover, Josh Grossman, who admitted to a romantic relationship with Corey and received messages planning a future together after Eric’s death. Despite a defense that argued Corey was framed, pointed to gaps in evidence, and highlighted Carmen’s credibility issues, the jury found her guilty of aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder after just three hours of deliberation. The case exposed the dark underbelly of a seemingly perfect life, revealing a woman driven by financial ruin, infidelity, and a desperate desire to escape a failing marriage—culminating in a shocking verdict that brought closure to Eric’s family but left his children fatherless.