Third District Court recessed early on Tuesday during the third week of the murder trial against Kouri Richins as attorneys on each side debated legal issues regarding the presentation of evidence moving forward. Prosecutors expected to call their final witness, Summit County Sheriff’s Detecti ve Jeff O’Driscoll, but needed to work out several pretrial issues with the defense before he was called to the stand.  Proceedings began at 8:30 a.m. to discuss redactions to an interview transcript between O’Driscoll and Kouri Richins, with defense attorneys seeking to have several redacted pages admitted into evidence. Chief Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth argued the redactions could be addressed through questioning the witness, to which Third District Judge Richard Mrazik agreed. The discussions about what should, and shouldn’t, be included continued for about 30 minutes. Then, the two sides began discussing what jail calls between Kouri and her family, including her mother and brother, should be allowed, as well as text exchanges.  The defense objected to including all jail calls, and previously sought a mistrial after lead crime scene technician Chelsea Gipson mentioned jail calls from Kouri earlier in the trial. Attorney Kathy Nester argued the jury could be prejudiced if they knew that Kouri is, or was, held in jail. Mrazik denied the request, saying it is reasonable to assume that the main suspect — who is charged with aggravated murder and attempted homicide — was held in custody at some point. Prosecutors also discussed the controversial “Walk the Dog” letter, which the defense argues is a six-page letter part of a 65-page fictional manuscript written by Kouri. Bloodworth said prosecutors can prove that’s not true if they’re able to prove how the letter was recovered, which was found during a search of Kouri’s jail cell. There was also debate about presenting statements made by Carmen Lauber, a former housekeeper who testified that Kouri asked for drugs on multiple occasions, to O’Driscoll, and to the jury. Defense attorneys objected, including the interview transcripts, while prosecutors wanted them admitted.  Lewis argued that those statements should have been introduced when Lauber was on the stand so she could have cross-examined the witness and that they should not be introduced through O’Driscoll. However, Mrazik said the defense could recall Lauber for additional questioning if necessary. Prosecutors wanted interview transcripts, which are hundreds of pages, between Lauber and O’Driscoll admitted.  Meanwhile, Lewis said that if prosecutors can admit their chosen 100 pages, the defense wants all 1,000 pages published and that several hours of video should be played for the jury. She pointed to inconsistencies in Lauber’s statements to law enforcement and questioned whether she was influenced to say certain things. The defense asked for a two-day continuance to go through the entire transcript to determine what would be included. Prosecutors objected, noting they filed a motion intended to address the issue two days ago, which Mrazik also acknowledged on Monday. The judge denied the request. Instead, he granted the defense a one-day continuance to review the designations made by the state with an opportunity to offer additional designations.  The defense had a 6 p.m. Tuesday deadline, with the prosecution expected to reply by 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The judge is expected to respond on Wednesday morning, with the jury reconvening that afternoon. Kouri has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder, attempted murder and other financial crimes stemming from her husband, Eric Richins’ overdose death on March 4, 2022. Her five-week trial is expected to end on March 27. The post Third District Court releases jury early for the day after evidence debate appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less