A request from Kouri Richins to have Judge Richard Mrazik disqualified from her case has been DENIED. In the 14-page motion filed last month, Richins' defense attorneys said she deserved a new trial for a variety of reasons, including: - Mrazik's "clear demonstration" of bias in favor of the State deprived Richins of a fair trial. - The judge spoke in a "disparaging and condescending manner to the defense (and) would also reframe arguments in a way to help the prosecution." - The judge was "demeaning and condescending to defense counsel and, in contrast, was friendly to the prosecution, often helping them with both their objections and the framing of arguments." Mrazik recused himself and the motion was assigned to District Judge Kara Pettit, who issued a ruling today. Judge Pettit said the motion should have been filed within 21 days of the verdict. "The last date of the trial was March 16, 2026. Thus, the motion filed on June 30, 2026 was filed more than 21 days after the defendant learned of the grounds upon which this motion is based, and it is untimely," Pettit wrote. She also said she reviewed video and transcripts where the defense alleged that Judge Mrazik was "impatient, critical, hostile, disparaging and condescending. "The court finds (the excerpts) do not demonstrate the level of extreme behavior or conduct reflecting a deep-seated antagonism toward defense, nor favoritism toward the prosecution...Even if Judge Mrazik's conduct could be considered as having shown anger or frustration with defense counsel, that is not grounds for disqualification," Pettit wrote. Judge Mrazik will remain on the case and a hearing currently scheduled for Friday to discuss Richins' upcoming second trial and restitution she owes from the first trial. The prosecution says Richins needs to pay over $1.3 MILLION in restitution -- $1,017,018.49 to Auto Owner’s Insurance and $352,562.61 to TruStage. Both were life insurance claims she cashed in after she killed her husband, Eric Richins.