Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Buffalo man faces 40 years-to-life in prison after pleading guilty on Friday to killing two women, whose remains were found in Chautauqua County a few years ago.
Richard Fox, 62, pleaded guilty in Erie County Court to two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felonies). Fox pleaded guilty, as charged, to all counts in the indictment.
Between on or about 2003 and 2004, the defendant intentionally caused the death of Cassandra Watson at a location in the City of Buffalo. On Sept. 26, 2021, a hiker found a human skull while walking along the Chautauqua Rails to Trails near Woleben Road in the Town of Portland.
Forensic analysis determined that the skeletal remains had been buried at the site for more than a decade. After her identity was confirmed in December 2024, the investigation determined that Fox was in a relationship with the victim at the time of her disappearance.
The victim was not reported as a missing person to law enforcement.
On or about late June 2021, the defendant intentionally caused the death of a second female victim at another location in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 50-year-old Marquita Mull, was later reported missing by her family.
On Sept. 27, 2021, the victim’s body was found during the excavation of the skeletal remains recovered near the hiking trail in Chautauqua County.
“The families of Cassandra Watson and Marquita Mull have waited a long time for justice. I hope that they can continue their journey towards healing with the knowledge that this defendant, who was not offered a reduced plea, will spend the rest of his life in prison for these crimes. The successful prosecution of this case is the result of years of tireless work and excellent collaboration among the lead investigators, several law enforcement agencies, forensic analysists, genealogy experts, our prosecutors and many others. I thank you all for your dedicated service,” said District Attorney Mike Keane on Friday.
Fox will be sentenced on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 9:30 a.m. He remains held without bail.
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