Nearly a decade after Indiana firefighter Robert Doerr was fatally shot outside his home, the case continues to draw attention following the conviction and sentencing of his wife for orchestrating the killing.
The shocking crime, later featured on 20/20, revealed a complex investigation that ultimately pointed to a conspiracy involving someone close to the victim.
Fatal Shooting Outside Home in 2019
On Feb. 26, 2019, Doerr returned to his Evansville, Indiana home after completing a 12-hour shift at the firehouse, where he had worked for nearly three decades. As he exited his vehicle, he was shot at least three times and killed.
He was 51 years old and had been married to Elizabeth Fox-Doerr — also known as Becky Fox-Doerr — for just six months at the time of his death.
Suspicion Falls on Wife and Family Connection
Investigators later discovered that Fox-Doerr had deleted a phone call made to Larry Richmond Sr., her sister’s fiancé, shortly before calling 911 to report the shooting.
While she initially claimed the deletion was to free up phone storage, authorities grew suspicious. Richmond Sr., who had previously served 22 years in prison for a 1996 murder, was identified early on as a person of interest.
Prosecutors alleged that Fox-Doerr and Richmond Sr. were involved in an affair, though both denied any romantic relationship. Testimony from Richmond Sr.’s son suggested otherwise.
Charges Filed and Trial Developments
Despite early suspicions, it wasn’t until August 2022 that both Fox-Doerr and Richmond Sr. were formally charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Key testimony came from Richmond Sr.’s son and a former cellmate, who told investigators that he had boasted about committing the killing.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Convictions and Sentencing
In 2024, Fox-Doerr was convicted on both charges and sentenced to 90 years in prison. Richmond Sr. was also found guilty and, in 2026, received a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
Appeal Denied and Current Status
Fox-Doerr attempted to appeal her conviction in 2025, arguing that certain evidence — including her Grand Jury testimony and phone records — should not have been admitted in court. The appeal was denied.
According to the Indiana Department of Correction, her earliest possible release date is February 2090.
Family Impact and Aftermath
The case has deeply affected Doerr’s family, particularly his stepson, Nathaniel Guthrie, who testified during the trial.
Guthrie has since cut off contact with his mother and continues to honor Doerr’s memory.
“When little boys dream of or talk about their hero, sometimes they say Spider-Man,” he said during an episode of 20/20. “Mine was a true hero — he was a fireman. He was my dad.”
