Correctional Officer Richard Bert Fordham, Sr.

Correctional Officer Richard Bert Fordham, Sr. | Lee County Sheriff's Office, Illinois Correctional Officer Richard Bert Fordham, Sr. | Lee County Sheriff's Office, IllinoisCorrectional Officer Richard Bert Fordham, Sr. | Lee County Sheriff's Office, Illinois
Lee County Sheriff's Office, Illinois
Correctional Officer Richard Bert Fordham, Sr. | Lee County Sheriff's Office, Illinois
Correctional Officer Richard Bert Fordham, Sr. | Lee County Sheriff's Office, Illinois
Correctional Officer Richard Bert Fordham, Sr. | Lee County Sheriff's Office, Illinois
Correctional Officer Richard Bert Fordham, Sr.

Lee County Sheriff's Office, Illinois

End of Watch Monday, May 9, 1977

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Richard Bert Fordham, Sr.

Correctional Officer Richard Fordham was beaten and strangled to death after being overpowered by two inmates at the old Lee County Law Enforcement Center at 122 W. Third Street in Dixon.

Both inmates were convicted of his murder and sentenced to 40 to 100 years in prison. One died in prison in December of 2011. The other inmate, who has been denied parole several times, was granted parole in 2012.

Correctional Officer Fordham was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Lee County Sheriff's Office for only eight months. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour 8 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Assault
  • Weapon Person
  • Offender Sentenced

prisoner custody

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Thank for your service to our country and for your service to Dixon, IL. I never got to meet you as my father in law but you are constantly on my mind. Thank you for raising the man that became my husband so well with lessons taught. On your birthday and the anniversary of your death I stand with him to remember you, and all you did. Thank you again, Bert.

Debby Fordham
Daughter In Law

May 10, 2023

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