Richard Fox
Buffalo Man Sentenced to 40 Years to Life for Double Murder
Richard J. Fox, 62, has been sentenced to 40 years to life imprisonment in a case concerning the deaths of two women in Chautauqua County, New York. This sentence was handed down by Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes following a guilty plea entered by Fox on September 19.
Details of the Crimes
The prosecution revealed that between 2003 and 2004, Fox was responsible for the death of Cassandra Watson in Buffalo. Her remains were discovered in a remote area along the Chautauqua Rails to Trails near Woleben Road in the Town of Portland on September 26, 2021. Forensic investigations indicated that the remains had been buried at the location for over a decade. Notably, Watson had not been reported missing, despite her relationship with Fox at the time she disappeared.
In a separate incident, in late June 2021, Fox was also found to be responsible for the death of Marquita Mull, a 50-year-old woman whose family eventually reported her missing. On September 27, 2021, her body was uncovered while excavation activities were conducted related to the previous skeletal remains found.
Statements from the District Attorney
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane expressed that the families affected by these crimes have been waiting for justice. He stated, “I hope that they can continue their journey towards healing with the knowledge that this defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison for these crimes.” Keane also noted that the successful prosecution was the result of extensive collaboration among multiple law enforcement agencies and experts.
Community Efforts and Investigation
Keane commended the contributions of various law enforcement officials and agencies involved in the investigation, including:
- Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
- Buffalo Police Department
- New York State Police
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Othram Labs
- Mercyhurst University’s Anthropology Lab
The prosecution was led by Chief Ashley M. Morgan of the Major Crimes Bureau, supported by Assistant District Attorneys from the Felony Trials Bureau and the Homicide Bureau, ensuring a comprehensive legal approach to the case.
