Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone praised the efforts of his staff and other law enforcement agencies Thursday following the sentencing of Richard J. Fox.

Fox, 62, of Buffalo, was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the murders of Cassandra Watson and Marquita Mull.

Since Sept. 26, 2021, investigators from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office worked closely with Detectives from the Buffalo Police Department, numerous additional law enforcement agencies, and federal partners to bring this case to a successful conclusion. Their shared determination and commitment led to Fox’s arrest and his Sept. 19 guilty plea to two counts of second-degree murder without any reduction in charges.

“(Thursday’s) sentencing marks an important step toward justice,” Quattrone said. “We hope that the families of Cassandra Watson and Marquita Mull can find some peace knowing that accountability has been achieved.”

Quattrone emphasized that, while the cooperation between law enforcement agencies was essential, the perseverance and support of the victims’ families were equally crucial.

“The family of Cassandra Watson spent many years searching for their loved one, and the family of Marquita Mull consistently assisted investigators throughout this lengthy process,” he said. “Their strength and cooperation were vital to securing this outcome.”

Between 2003 and 2004, Fox intentionally caused the death of Watson in Buffalo. On Sept. 26, 2021, a hiker discovered a human skull near the Chautauqua Rails to Trails by Woleben Road in the Town of Portland. Forensic analysis later confirmed the remains had been buried for more than a decade, and in December 2024, the remains were identified as Watson. Investigators determined that Fox had been in a relationship with her at the time of her disappearance.

In late June 2021, Fox murdered a second victim, 50-year-old Mull, also in Buffalo. Mull was reported missing by her family, and on Sept. 27, 2021, her body was recovered during the excavation of the area where Watson’s remains had been found.

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane commended the extensive network of law enforcement professionals and experts whose dedication was vital to the investigation. This includes the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office; Buffalo Police Department Homicide, Special Victims, and Narcotics units; New York State Police; Lakewood-Busti Police Department; Niagara Falls Police Department; Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office; Erie County Crime Analysis Center; Erie County Central Police Services Forensic Laboratory; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Othram Labs; Mercyhurst University’s Applied Forensic Science Department and Anthropology Lab; among others.

Quattrone extended particular recognition to: Lt. Alex Nutt, Sgt. Luke Jonson, Inv. Jacob Stahley, members of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office; along with Chief of Detectives Joseph Langdon, retired Chief William C. Macy, Det. Mark Costantino, Det. Joseph Ruggiero, and members of the Buffalo Police Department for their exceptional work.

“The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office thanks all partner agencies and the families of the victims for their perseverance and cooperation,” the department’s news release stated. “Today’s sentencing reflects the power of collaboration, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of justice.”