STUPID killer so greedy they try to profit off murder...TWICE. 

I remember the good old days when John would do more than 1 story a week. Oh the joys of being an early follower!

"Luxury prisons for the rich" I didn't think I could hate her more

Not only did she kill her children’s father, she also left them orphaned. That’s as evil as evil gets

The greed for money has deprived three kids of their father. My heart goes out to them as they're a victim in all this too.

No matter how this story ends, the kids are the most unfortunate in all of it. They lost a loving and providing father and their mother is an actual monster.

I don't think Ballen included it but the husband was already suspicious the first time around when he got sick from that sandwich. He already believed that his wife was trying to poison him and told his family and close friends that he thinks she's trying to kill/poison him and if anything happens to him, it was likely his wife.

how the hell can someone kill their partner,lie to their kids and profit from their death.just mind blowingly tragic,heart breaking and sad

A great story to cover is Mike Oros, an outdoorsman in northern Canada who lost his mind in the wilderness and became an infamous serial killer. He wrote everything in journals he hid because he thought the government was trying to erase his thoughts. Would be a sweet idea

As an actual widow, I hate this woman so much it hurts. She's the reason her children will grow up without a daddy, and she got sympathy from real widows, and asked us to buy her book!

Not long ago, they found texts that proved Kouri bought the fentanyl from her house keeper. She 100% killed her husband. Crazy story.. I feel so bad for her kids. Idk why she couldn’t have just got that 1 million dollars from selling the house, and then accepted a divorce.

The luxury prison for rich people really took me out. I feel so so bad for those kids :(

My heart hurts for those kids. Not only did they lose a great Dad but to find out their own Mom killed him. I hope she never gets out of jail!

The saddest part of this whole story is that after all the trauma the three kids must have have gone through after losing their father, the ultimate betrayal would be them finding out that it was actually done by their own mother, they will likely never get over it.

Eric actually suspected Kouri was trying to kill him. So he changed his will and insurance policy and made the beneficiary his sister. Kouri found out about the change as Eric was considering divorce and she attempted to change them back to her, but Eric was alerted and reverted things back to his sister. So when Kouri tried to get payment on the insurance, she found she got nothing. Then she even tried to break into Eric's personal safe even before Eric was buried. One of Eric's other sisters caught her in the act (the safe now being Eric's sister's property according to the will) and Kouri started hitting Eric's sister for trying to stop her. Then Kouri began threatening Eric's parents and sisters by saying she wouldn't let them ever see Eric's boys if they didn't give her the money and made up lies to the boys that Eric's family didn't love them and that was why they were never around. Of course, Kouri was the reason the family wasn't able to be with the boys until her arrest. There were also special events put on to to raise money for Kouri and the boys or charities in general in Eric's honor, and Kouri forbid Eric's family from attending.

This story has just blown me away. I have been watching the news. And, the radiant smile on her face when she poses for the camera with her husband is enough to make a person crazy. She is as evil as they come.

A new development has been found regarding this story: as part of her real estate venture, she allegedly bought a house, flipped it, and re-sold it to a family that got really sick because the house was infested with mold and she didn't disclose it. I hope she's locked away for a long, long time. Her poor kids didn't deserve any of this. They are the ones who have to suffer because of their greedy mother :(

The poor kids will probably never really recover from this trauma. First losing their dad, then losing their mom and remembering how their mom was consoling them every night and telling them stories about their dad in heaven when she was the one who "allegedly" had killed him. No matter how the story will end, my heart goes out to the boys.

I feel so bad for the sons. When they get older and learn what their Mom did they will be shocked. Hopefully a loving family will heal their wounds.

As a true crime fan, I’ve heard this awful story so many times .. BUT.. wow! You’re such an amazing storyteller! 👏🏼 such detail!

Mr Ballen is the best story teller out there. It has never bothered me that he does not do 3 or 4 or 5 times a week videos anymore. Do you all have a family? Do you all own a house or rent? Watch his documentary on how long it takes for John to make a video. He pushed himself for years for our benefit. Cant the man take a break down a canyon on a long river occupied by supernatural beings who burn and destroy all that comes close (not to mention climb up cliff faces... still my favorite story)? *Mic drop* (since i wont respond to all you "naysayers")

I remember hearing about this, I can’t imagine the pain the kids must be going through; hearing about how your mom ended your dad’s life and making a book about it

Kouri didn't even write the children's book herself, she paid for a ghost writing service and even left a testimonial on their website

I've heard of this case. I don't want to give it away, but this woman was (and still is) so blinded by greed that it literally destroyed all of her brain cells.

You're a gifted, wonderful story teller. I can listen to you all day.

She outright _robbed_ her sons of their excellent father. I hope she never gets out of prison.

Respect to Mr. Ballen, sitting in a dark room full of smoke and telling us stories.

I come back every few months so I can binge all the new videos. The man is still a man and everyday videos is unrealistic because he will run out of stories if he does one everyday especially waiting for cases to close etc and gather information it all takes time appreciate it because we all lose it eventually and this man is doing enough to entertain us just stop watching for a month and you'll have a few nights worth of videos to watch

Yes Podcasts are great but honestly, I love to watch your expression. You are a very great story teller and the face is what makes it so pleasurable.

I went to high school with her, we used to go snowboarding together all the time. Crazy to think how such a normal person can supposedly do this.

The more I've learned about this case, the more appalled I am. Kouri was a total monster from the very beginning of the marriage. Eric and the kids did not deserve this at all.

She has some brass balls. Hope their children find healing and peace Rest In Peace Dad

Kouri actually reached out to the local media to get on the show. This was confirmed by Hidden True Crimes, who used to be a reporter for the channel that she was interviewed on.

You forgot the best parts! Eric was afraid of his wife and had began to believe she was trying to kill him, so before his death he switch the name on the insurance policy to his sister, she got it all and that witch got nothing. I don’t know where the one you said came from I never heard that mentioned, I know she found out her husband switched the names and tried to forge and change it back but he was notified.

I was at Eric’s funeral (Kouri didn’t even speak at it and was acting SO odd for someone who “suddenly lost” their husband) NO Tears were shed not even as she disgustingly watched Eric’s three YOUNG Boys sobbing while they participated as Honorary Paul Bearers at their Dad’s Funeral. I HATE having to hear her name the more his story goes global…however I do want everyone to know that Kouri Darden MURDERED Eric, the Father of their 3 children and is still trying to get away with it!

12:27 As someone who had cancer, I think it's important to note that while Fentanyl can be added to heroin, that's not what its intended use is (nor was developed) for. It's an extremely powerful (and legal) opioid meant for extreme pain, which can be administered IM/IV, taken orally, and can also be absorbed (slowly) through the skin by way of transdermal patch.

Thanks Mr B! We really appreciate the effort. My chi prefer seeing the video versus just podcast but definitely relish every minute regardless!

Im so glad you covered this case. It is haunting. Can you imagine being so soulless that you not only commit this crime but then write a book for your kids on the grief that you caused them?

I live in Utah and went to school with Kouri. I would see her often because it's still a small town. Everyone in town helped her after she killed Eric. It was honestly heart breaking. We all supported her book. It's honestly heartbreaking. It has broken our small town. I pray for the kids. He was a wonderful dad. I never thought she would do this. She had red flags. But.. taking Eric's life never would have thought.

I have been following this story. Thank you for adding more to it. 😊

I LOVE it when i find a MrBallan video that I missed!! Its like christmas day! You and the why files are my 2 favorite channels you bring much joy to the world and cause much work not to get done lol. Thank you!

I can't be the only one who immediately thought about the kids when it ended up being the mom that killed him. Man I feel so bad for them.

I think I've been watching too many MrBallen videos because the minute he mentioned Kouri giving Eric a drink I was like "oh yeah she totally poisoned him" 💀

You always get a smile out of me, thank you for being funny, but also delivering information with couth.

as someone who left for a break and is now returning to ur vids, i realized how much i actually missed the chill that i felt from the stories, still as good as i remember!

Jon, 7.85m?!! When I first started watching/listening years ago, I knew you would blow up. Very well-deserved! To the best storyteller on the internet 🥂

Sucks for those kids. Losing their dad especially at those ages is tragic in itself. Finding out it was their mom who did it makes it beyond tragic. That’s gonna be a lifetime of questions and sadness. I hope they bond together and make it through it.

I love his hand movements!!

Ive listened to all the podcasts and youtube vids, and have started over to watch and listen again. Theyre just as good the second time

It's even more messed up than covered: 1) that house was just the studs and was well known as a money sinkhole that would never see a return. Eric had told her strongly no, but she refused to listen. He then put in an absurd offer on the house never planning to pull through but trying to get her to chill. That was the night she killed him. 2) the DAY AFTER he died, she threw a party at that mansion celebrating the purchase. Not only was she happy, she didn't even tell anyone that Eric was dead 3) her realty company was likely only successful due to Eric's connections through his business 4) Eric was by all accounts a fantastic father who always found time in his busy schedule to be with the kids. It sounds like he was possibly more involved than she was. 5) Eric had been previously married and the whole thing ended pretty traumatically for him, so his mom (or some other family member) insisted that he get a prenup which would keep their assets basically separated. This was the mom being nice, not a pushy jerk--and Kouri signed it with no issues. The prenup noted that she would get all or more assets though if he died. 6) One reason the mom(?) had suggested the prenup was also because Eric was wealthy from a wealthy family and he met Kouri at Home Depot where he often stopped for supplies for work. She was a cashier there and he was shy to go in her lane because he, along with many of the contractors, had a long-standing tradition of going through an older woman's lane because she was super friendly, and I think she was even a friend of Eric's family. She was the one who finally nudged him to go talk to Kouri. They seemed genuinely in love at first. 7) Eric realized that Kouri was trying to kill him long before she was successful. He had confided in his sister about it. It got so bad and Eric became so worried that he'd changed some life insurance paperwork to remove her name and instead list his business partner who afaik he was still friendly with. Eric was such a good guy that he wanted the friend to be able to buy it Eric's part of the company if Eric died, so not only would it protect his friend but also it would keep their business and all its workers safe financially. Kouri realized this and secretly got into his account and changed it back to her. Eric found out and found a way to change the life insurance to go to his sister and I think still the business partner. This way his kids and their future would definitely be secured. iirc Kouri also took out several life insurance plans on him without his knowledge. Also iirc, she started this like 2 years into their marriage when everyone thought they were still a good couple. She decided pretty early on that he was worth more to her dead then alive. Before she even had the kids with him i think but I could be off on timing. In the end, Kouri killed Eric for money she wasn't even legally qualified to receive. Afaik her intention civilly is to argue she still gets all the money because the prenup paperwork precedes the life insurance and other paperwork which directs money to the sister and partner. Kouri is the absolute worst bottom of the barrel of human beings it seems to me, based on everything. I can't even comprehend the cruelty and coldness to kill a man who, by all accounts, was a nice guy who was very generous with his money and who was a loving and devoted father to his children, and was a good husband to an awful wife-- and then on top of that, not only take this beloved father from the kids but to also torture her children even further by going through this while charade about grief and making them sit down with her and go through all these really difficult emotions and revelations while she was the one who killed their dad. That is so beyond messed up it's like an overdramatized movie villain. Those poor boys have lost the parent who adored them and put them before himself, and then lost their other parent who not only murdered their dad but who also may (I damn well hope DOES) go to prison. I just feel like those memories they'll have of her supposedly lovingly guiding them through Eric's unexpected passing will later grow to haunt them endlessly. I hope I'm wrong on that but Jesus.... That's so traumatic for anyone, but especially young children. I really hope they can get the proper mental health care they definitely deserve, and I hope their garbage can mother hasn't completely destroyed their childhood and their chance to ever fully trust anyone again. Brightest of blessings to Eric and his family... Eric, I hope your soul has some amount of peace in knowing this cruelty and betrayal did come to light, and that your story was spread so widely that you've touched the hearts of complete strangers. May you rest in peace 🕊️

No matter what the story is with Kouri, may those three young lads get the love and support they need. RIP Eric!!

I live nearby in UT and have been following this case closely. Crazy story!! Glad you covered it!

I live 20 minutes away from their house, it was a very sad story and it was the talk of the town

As someone who lost their dad at a young age, this whole thing makes me sick. Not only do those poor boys have to live without their dad, they now have to live with the fact their mother is the reason! I hope they are doing okay.

What a terrible woman. She literally had an amazing husband who loved his kids and took care of his family - and that wasn’t good enough for her. I pray that those beautiful boys find peace in a genuine loving home.

Poor kids , I hope they can find peace and happiness somehow thru all this..

Yes ive binged your youtube and podcast! I still wait anxiously but its part of the greatfulness of your stories! I also rewatch my favorites!

Got home from weekend errands, visiting the kids and brand new grandbaby....finally home with a fresh cup of coffee, pjs, the dogs and Mr. Ballen....the PERFECT way to wrap up the weekend. Thank you Mr. B for being a pleasant, constant for an old gal. Much love from the Buckeye state 😉♥️♥️♥️

As a Utahn, we've all been following this case. It's always a shock when something like this happens in your own state. We are collectively disgusted and pray that her children can recover from one of the worst kinds of betrayal.

You’re really good at story telling you got me the first 8 minutes into the video than i realized i already seen this story b4. She killed her hobby.

Love the stories as always, my best bud and I have been watching your stuff forever and you really got us into watching a bunch of streams like this but of course no one ever matches you keep them up we love it don’t worry about how long it takes to post

I'm so used to the plot twists now that I immediately knew it was the Kouri who did it. Can't believe she even made a book pretending to care, when in the end it was all about money.

What a sad, pathetic tale. Being the main caregiver for my 92-year-old Mother, I so look forward to your posts, John. I look forward to Sundays when I can have a cup of tea and listen to your latest post while Mother is watching television. It's my one escape. Thank you!

Crazy enough, this channel has helped my anxiety so much. Wish we could talk 1v1 and just chat. Love what you do

Love Mr. B!. The true crime the last year plus is old. You built this channel on the "strange, dark and mysterious." Now it's endless true crime. We need more , "do you know how to get to Bells Canyon" instead of true crime man!

My heart breaks for those three little boys. What an absolutely unforgivable act, I hope the punishment is served to the fullest extent.

I saw this in the news a few months ago. There was such an outrage when they "found out" that she was the killer. I whole-heartedly believe that she did indeed commit murder. He's watching you Kory.

The snidbit of the Podcast at the end of the video was brilliant. Great advertisement for the Pod! Love the VHS static effect

I feel so bad for those kids they’ll have to live with this emotional trauma for the rest of their lives hopefully they’re Dad is watching over them

I am from Utah. This woman is an embarrassment to all of us women trying our best to actually raise well adjusted, thriving children.

For any parent out there with a child who has been adversely effected by the death of someone close to them..a book I found very helpful for my then 8 year old daughter trying to process the death of my then 7 year old daughter(we were in a very bad car accident 9-18-18) whom was her little sister and best friend, The Invisible String is a book that is appropriate for any child with separation anxiety and even the loss of a loved one altogether. Thank you Mr. Ballen for covering another intriguing true story for all of us!

Great story. You are a BEEEAAAST MrBallen!!!!!!

I personally like the longer stories as opposed to the 3 mini stories in 1 video. But to each their own. I think I just like the more details n full story form.

They never think they're getting caught. She really thought being rich would get her luxury prison? How can she be that heartless to her sons?

John, I’m so happy you added “Stupid killer” in your title of this video, because that perfectly describes her. I’m also happy that you’re making this video in real time of her court proceedings. Cannot wait until the guilty verdict! EDIT: John, you did an outstanding job as always! But it would’ve been awesome to include that she texted an associate about where can she find fentanyl for a client with severe back pain, how she threw a party a day after his death, how kouri attacked Eric’s sister, how she got caught smiling in court while a police officer was describing the emt’s attempting CPR, etc. what a nutcase she is!!!

I'm from the UK I find everything fascinating and great true stories thank you so much Mrballen awesome channel keep up the good work 👍

Says so much on your behalf to have us binge watching you. Impressive!!!

Profiting off of someone’s murder is a grievous sin. People are doing cruel things for their own benefit, and yet they’re unashamed for doing so. We appreciate Mr Ballen’s dedication and hard work in delivering these cases. They’re being brought forth to raise awareness for other people who may be trapped in situations like this.

I live in Salt Lake City and this case is crazy. The wife was sus from day one and her "dream home" is unfinished and so ugly I still don't think it has sold! Her ego got the best of her because in the court of public opinion, she's been guilty since day 1!! Thanks Mr Ballen! 👍🏻✌️💜

Great story Mr.Ballen!

You are an amazing story teller, love your work.

For the past few weeks now, my Mother has been engrossed in your videos John, commenting on your undisputed storytelling. In particular, quote "each video is simply engrossing and intriguing." In hind sight, I'm glad that I shared your channel with her as she's now hooked onto each new video!

I gotta say, this is one of the darkest stories you’ve told yet. Those poor kids 😢 I hope they’re surrounded by love.

Great Story telling. Enjoyed it 🙏👍👍

Thank you. Your stories are great

Watching you tell this story is better than reading any news article about this case. Still sad that a mother could do that to her children.. and to her husband.

Mr.Ballen isn’t the same without watching you narrate 😔 It’s like watching a camp counselor tell spooky stories by the camp fire.

I have been sick, so I have been binging on the strange, dark, and mysterious both here and the podcasts. So love much love and thanks to the MrBallen team better than chicken soup.

@johnballen your talent is very exceptional...ppl want new not remastered, as a consumer you do it so well its hard to go over in a podcast that ...dunno how to explain it better

I cannot wait til I hear “guilty!” At the end of her trial. What a malicious cold blooded heartless thing to do 😡. My heart breaks for those little boys and Eric’s family and friends. I hope she rots in prison for the rest of her life! Thank you for covering this Mr. Ballen! Best storyteller around! ❤️💫⭐️

I heard about story more than 8 times but I’m here watching it again coz my man Mr Ballen is a good storyteller and it’s feels like I’m hearing it for the first time. Hope everybody is having a good weekend, for those who don’t just know that tomorrow is gonna be better than today

Great story telling Mr. Ballen 👏👏👏

It’s about time you ventured into true crime. TYSM.

I’ve been depressed for five years. Thank goodness Mr. Ballen was here and rekindled my passion for the strange, dark and mysterious. I love this channel and it saved me.

MrBallen on Sunday is the perfect way to end the week

MrBallen, I love your transition noise. Its's such a sleek sound, and makes me think of a blade being sharpened!

U’re One Of The Best Story Teller, That’s Why We Wait Every Single Week

Bro! The way you build up the suspense and don't just give away the whole plot in the beginning. ..it sets you miles apart from any other true crime channel. Love it

Sunday with Mr Ballen and a cup of tea is something that I look forward to all week! I really love his stories, especially the way he tells them!

Love this channel, no need to actually see the videos but just listen to perfect story telling! ❤

...poor kids, man. No one deserves what they're having to go thru. My heart goes out to them