(WNY News Now) A Buffalo man is charged with murder in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found along a Chautauqua County trail, marking the culmination of a four-year hunt for answers.Fox, Richard J.
Erie County DA’s Office Photo
After being arrested on Wednesday, Buffalo resident Richard J. Fox, 61, was charged with Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony, and was arraigned in Buffalo City Court today. The accusations were made public by Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane and are related to the death and disappearance of 50-year-old Marquita Mull in 2021.
Late in June 2021, Mull was reported off the radar. Three months later, her remains were found in Chautauqua County’s Town of Portland, close to a hiking route. According to authorities, Fox killed her on purpose at a Buffalo location.
In addition to the murder accusation, Fox is charged with four felonies for violating the sex offender registration requirements under the New York State Correction Law. The allegations include failing to mail verification documents, give a photo, verify his residence every ninety days, and notify a change of address.
Fox faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if found guilty of murder. The extra charges carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
Fox is set for a criminal hearing on Monday, January 13, 2025, and is still being jailed without bond.
I am happy to report that this defendant has been arrested as a consequence of the thorough and cooperative work of this multi-agency investigation. I want to commend the several committed law enforcement officers who never let this case go unsolved, even though it is still an active case and we are still looking for new information. “We are committed to obtaining justice for the victim and her family,” said District Attorney Mike Keane, adding that Marquita Mull’s family has been waiting for answers for almost four years.
The Buffalo Police Department, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and Mercyhurst University’s Applied Forensic Science Department were among the several law enforcement organizations that participated in the investigation.
Chief Eugene T. Partridge, III of the Homicide Bureau is prosecuting the case.
Until Fox is found guilty in a court of law, he is presumed innocent.
Share this:
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!