In this episode of Pretty Lies & Alibis, we break down Day 1 of the Kouri Richins evidentiary hearing and the key expert testimony battles unfolding ahead of her upcoming trial.
The defense sought to block three of the state’s expert witnesses, focusing heavily on the controversial “Pathway to Violence” model. Defense expert Dr. Fox testified that the model is not scientifically reliable, lacks peer-reviewed validation, has no known error rate, and cannot be used to predict individual acts of violence — arguing that its use amounts to profiling rather than science under Utah Rule of Evidence 702.
The state countered with testimony from Dr. Ammon, who described the model as one of several tools used retrospectively in targeted violence prevention. The judge ultimately issued a partial ruling, limiting how the model may be used at trial.
We also cover:
The judge’s decision allowing a handwriting expert to testify regarding alleged forgery
Why testimony from Dr. Sherry Veneno was ruled not currently relevant — but could be revisited
Why Day 2 of the hearing will not be livestreamed due to sealed evidence
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00:00 – Intro: Pretty Lies & Alibis
00:55 – Overview of Kouri Richins Day 1 evidentiary hearing
01:20 – Day 2 will not be live streamed (sealed evidence)
01:50 – Defense moves to exclude three state experts
02:05 – Defense expert Dr. Fox challenges “Pathway to Violence” model
02:45 – Why the model is not diagnostic or predictive
03:35 – Lack of statistics, probability, or error rate
04:10 – Rule 702: standards for expert testimony
04:45 – Model not peer-reviewed or scientifically validated
05:30 – No standardized methodology; risk of inconsistent conclusions
06:15 – False positives and profiling concerns
06:45 – “Predicting violence after the fact” analogy
07:35 – Model not intended for individual cases like Kouri Richins
08:10 – FBI background and lack of exposure to the model
08:45 – State expert Dr. Ammon testifies in support of the model
09:15 – Judge’s ruling on Dr. Ammon’s testimony
09:50 – Handwriting expert allowed to testify on forgery counts
10:20 – Dr. Sherry Veneno’s testimony deemed not yet relevant
10:55 – Closing thoughts and wrap-up
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- Donate: (Thank you for your support! Couldn't do what I love without all y'all)
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- Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prettyliesr
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- (Weekly lives and private message board)