Buffalo Man Arraigned for the Murder of Missing Woman Found Dead in Chautauqua County

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Richard J. Fox, 61, of Buffalo, was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Peter J. Savage, III, on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class "A-I" felony).

It is alleged that on or about late June 2021, the defendant intentionally caused the death of the victim at a location in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 50-year-old Marquita Mull, was later reported missing. In late September 2021, the victim's body was found near a hiking trail in the Town of Portland in Chautauqua County.

Fox, who was arrested yesterday at a residence in Niagara Falls, was also charged with four felony charges under New York State Correction Law for his alleged failure to register as a sex offender. He was arraigned this morning before Judge Savage on the following offenses:

• One count of Sex Offender Failure to Report Change in Address (Class "D" felony)
• One count of Sex Offender Failure to Verify Address Every 90 Days (Class "D" felony)
• One count of Sex Offender Failure to Provide Photo (Class "D" felony)
• One count of Sex Offender Failure to Mail Verification Form (Class "D" felony)

If convicted of the murder charge, Fox faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. If convicted of the other charges, Fox faces up to 7 years in prison.

Fox is scheduled to return on both cases on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.

"As a result of the diligent and collaborative work of this multi-agency investigation, I am pleased to announce the arrest of this defendant. While this remains an active case and we continue to seek more information, I want to applaud the many dedicated members of law enforcement who never let this case go cold. The family of Marquita Mull has waited more than four years for answers, and we are committed to obtaining justice for the victim and her family," said District Attorney Mike Keane.

DA Keane commends Chief of Detectives William C. Macy, Detective Mark Costantino and members of the Buffalo Police Department Homicide, Special Victims and Narcotics units, Sergeant Luke Jonson and members of the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the New York State Police, Lakewood-Busti Police Department, Niagara Falls Police Department, Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office, Erie County Crime Analysis Center, and the Applied Forensic Science Department at Mercyhurst University for their work in this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Eugene T. Partridge, III, of the Homicide Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.