Special Agent Richard E. Fass

Richard E. Fass

Special Agent Richard Fass was shot and killed during an undercover assignment to apprehend drug smugglers in Phoenix, Arizona. The smugglers shot him as he pleaded for his life before escaping to Mexico.

Three suspects were eventually apprehended and convicted of Agent Fass' murder. The ring leader 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 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.