The 2019 killing of an Indiana firefighter shocked a local community and later drew national attention through 20/20. What made the case even more disturbing was the conclusion reached by investigators: the victim’s own wife had orchestrated his murder.
Years later, the case has moved through trials, convictions, and appeals, leaving one central question—where is Elizabeth “Becky” Fox-Doerr now?
The Night Robert Doerr Was Killed
On February 26, 2019, Robert Doerr returned home to Evansville after completing a 12-hour shift. He had served as a firefighter for nearly three decades.
As he stepped out of his truck outside his home, he was shot at least three times and died at the scene. He was 51 years old.
The sudden loss devastated his family. His stepson later described the scene as overwhelming and traumatic, with police surrounding the house shortly after the shooting.
At the time of his death, Doerr had only been married to Elizabeth “Becky” Fox-Doerr for six months.
Early Suspicion and Deleted Evidence
Shortly after the shooting, investigators noticed suspicious behavior. On the night of the murder, Fox-Doerr had deleted a phone call she made to Larry Richmond Sr. before dialing 911.
Initially, she was charged with obstruction of justice and false informing. However, those charges were later dropped in October 2019 after she claimed she deleted the call simply to free up space on her phone.
Despite the charges being dismissed, the deleted call remained a key piece of the investigation.
Alleged Affair and Growing Evidence
As investigators dug deeper, they began to examine the relationship between Fox-Doerr and Richmond Sr., who was engaged to her sister at the time.
Richmond Sr. had a serious criminal past. He had been convicted of murder in 1996 and served 22 years in prison before being released in 2018.
Authorities alleged that the two were involved in an affair, though both denied any romantic involvement. However, testimony during the trial painted a different picture. Richmond’s son told the court that his father admitted to being involved with Fox-Doerr.
This alleged relationship became a central element in the prosecution’s argument, suggesting motive and coordination.
Arrests and Charges in 2022
Although Richmond Sr. was identified early as a suspect, it wasn’t until August 2022 that both he and Fox-Doerr were formally charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The breakthrough came after new witnesses came forward. Richmond’s son and a former cellmate told investigators that he had bragged about killing Doerr.
At the time of his arrest, Richmond Sr. was already in custody on unrelated federal weapons charges.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a high-profile trial.
Convictions and Sentencing
In 2024, Fox-Doerr was found guilty of both murder and conspiracy to commit murder. She was sentenced to 90 years in prison.
Two years later, in 2026, Richmond Sr. was also convicted on the same charges. He received a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
The court’s decisions reflected the severity of the crime and the level of planning involved.
Appeal and Current Status
In 2025, Fox-Doerr attempted to appeal her conviction. She argued that the court had improperly allowed certain pieces of evidence, including her Grand Jury testimony and phone records.
The appeal was denied, and her conviction remained in place.
According to the Indiana Department of Correction, her earliest possible release date is February 2090. Given the length of her sentence, it is highly unlikely she will ever be released.
Family Impact and Aftermath
The emotional toll of the case continues to affect the victim’s family. Fox-Doerr’s son testified against her during the trial and has since cut off all contact.
He has made it clear that he does not expect to see his mother free again, expressing that any future reunion would likely be at the end of her life.
Instead, he has chosen to focus on honoring the memory of his stepfather, whom he described as a real-life hero.
Case Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Robert Doerr |
| Location | Evansville, Indiana |
| Year of Crime | 2019 |
| Defendant | Becky Fox-Doerr |
| Co-Defendant | Larry Richmond Sr. |
| Key Motive | Alleged affair and conspiracy |
| Charges | Murder, conspiracy to commit murder |
| Sentence (Fox-Doerr) | 90 years |
| Sentence (Richmond Sr.) | Life without parole |
| Earliest Release | February 2090 |
Why This Case Still Draws Attention
This case stands out not just because of the violence, but because of the betrayal involved. A trusted partner was found responsible for orchestrating the killing of a firefighter who had spent decades serving his community.
It also highlights how long investigations can take. Despite early suspicions, it took years and additional witness testimony before charges were filed and convictions secured.
The role of digital evidence, witness accounts, and past criminal history all played a part in building the case.
The murder of Robert Doerr remains a powerful reminder of how complex and deeply personal criminal cases can be. What began as a tragic shooting turned into a years-long investigation that uncovered a conspiracy involving close relationships and hidden motives.
Today, Becky Fox-Doerr remains behind bars, serving a 90-year sentence with little chance of release. The case has left a lasting impact on her family and the wider community, while also serving as a stark example of how justice can take time—but still prevail.
