Advanced DNA testing has finally unveiled the identity of a woman whose remains were discovered near a hiking trail in Portland, New York, in 2021.
The victim, now identified as Cassandra Watson, was allegedly murdered nearly two decades ago by Richard J. Fox, a 62-year-old registered sex offender.
Richard J. Fox has been charged with her murder.
He has also been charged in the death of Marquita Mull, whose remains were found just yards away from Cassandra Watson's remains.
This chilling case, which has haunted the small town of Portland, NY, highlights the power of forensic genetic genealogy in solving cold cases and bringing closure to grieving families.
The story began in September 2021, when a hiker stumbled upon a human skull along the Chautauqua Rails to Trails near Woleben Road.
As crime scene investigators combed the area where the skull was discovered, they unearthed a second set of remains just yards away.
While Marquita Mull’s identity was quickly confirmed, Watson’s case remained a mystery—until now.
Thanks to Othram Labs, a Texas-based forensic laboratory specializing in Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®, and funding secured by U.S. Congressman Nick Langworthy, Watson’s identity was revealed in December 2024.
For years, Cassandra Watson was known only as Portland New York Jane Doe.
Investigators determined she had died between 2002 and 2004, but with no missing person report filed, her case grew cold almost immediately.
That changed when Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team used cutting-edge technology to create a comprehensive DNA profile.
By comparing the profile to potential relatives, they identified Watson, who would have been 61 years old if she were alive today.
“Without the support of Cassandra’s family and the advanced DNA technology provided by Othram, we wouldn’t be standing here today,” said Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane during a press conference.
A Suspect with a Dark Past
Richard J. Fox, the man accused of killing both women, has a long history of violent crimes.
A convicted sex offender, Fox was previously found guilty of sexually abusing his stepdaughter in 1993 and attempting to rape his then-girlfriend in 2005.
Prosecutors allege that Fox strangled both Watson and Mull in Buffalo, NY. Afterward, he buried their bodies near the trail—a location he knew well, having grown up less than a mile away.
Fox’s connection to Watson at the time further implicated him in the case.
Investigators believe the two were in a relationship at the time of her death, yet after her disappearance, nobody including Fox reported her missing.
Mull, on the other hand, was reported missing by her family just three months before her remains were found.
 |
| Richard J. Fox |
Justice for the Victims
The identification of Watson marks the 10th case in New York where Othram’s technology has successfully solved a cold case.
For the families of both victims, this breakthrough brings a glimmer of hope.
Marquita Mull’s sister, Wendy Mull, expressed her gratitude for the progress in the case, saying, “They [Marquita and Cassandra] are going to find justice together, not just for themselves, but for many others. Because I’m pretty sure there’s more to come with this man in this case.”
Fox, who has pleaded not guilty to both charges, faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison if convicted.
His next court appearance is scheduled for April 30, 2025.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Fox or the homicides of Watson and Mull to come forward.
“Our investigation remains ongoing,” said DA Keane.
“We encourage anyone with information to contact the Erie County District Attorney’s Office at 716-858-2400.”
For the families of Cassandra Watson and Marquita Mull, the road to justice has been long, but thanks to forensic genetic genealogy, they are one step closer to closure.
Comments
Post a Comment