Special Agent Richard E. Fass

Special Agent Richard E. Fass

United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Government

End of Watch Thursday, June 30, 1994

Add to My Heroes

Richard E. Fass

Special Agent Richard Fass was shot and killed during an undercover assignment to apprehend drug smugglers in Phoenix. The methamphetamine dealers shot him at a strip mall at 5060 W. Bethany Home Road as he pleaded for his life. They then escaped to Mexico.

Three suspects were eventually apprehended and convicted of Agent Fass' murder. The ringleader was extradited from Mexico to the United States in February 2005 to face trial. On November 13th, 2006, he was sentenced to serve 71 years after being convicted of one count of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of kidnapping, three counts of attempted armed robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

The other three suspects were all convicted. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 55 years for robbery, kidnapping and other charges. Another suspect who shot Agent Fass in the trigger finger was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years, plus 43 years for robbery kidnapping and other crimes. The fourth suspect, who cooperated with authorities, was sentenced to 2-1/2 years after he was convicted of lesser charges.

Special Agent Fass had served with the Drug Enforcement Administration for seven years. He was survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.

Bio

  • Age 37
  • Tour 7 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Arizona
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Four suspects charged; all convicted

narcotics, smuggling, undercover

Most Recent Reflection

View all 35 Reflections

I can't believe I'm from Phoenix an never once did I hear about this story until yesterday after watching "unsolved mysteries" boy am I glad that the caught those P.O.S nor does putting them away can bring back Richard, but atleast yu know they're rotting away, while Richard is resting in peace as a good man he was. Once again sorry for your loss it doesn't get easier lord knows I know it, I'm losing my grandfather as we speak, any day now as he's battling stage 4 colon cancer that spread everywhere. Thanks for your time.

Gabriel Garza
Fellow Friend

December 9, 2021

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.