At 12:14 AM on November 27, 2021 first responders were dispatched to a man being shot on McInnis Road in Quilcene. Upon arrival at the scene, first responders found Robin Richards had been shot once in the chest while sitting in his living room. EMS attempted to treat the wound but were unsuccessful. Deputies of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office immediately began a murder investigation.
Detectives learned that 38-year-old Blake Fox of Port Townsend and one other person arrived at Mr. Richard’s home around 9:30 PM on November 26. The three of them were the only the adults in the home. Shortly after midnight, Mr. Fox stepped outside, then returned smoking a cigarette and carrying a pistol. Mr. Fox fired three shots, one of which struck Mr. Richards in the chest. Mr. Fox then fled the scene.
Detectives reached out to friends and family of Mr. Fox and eventually learned that he had run out of gas and was in a wooded area along West Valley Road in Chimacum. Deputies responded to West Valley Road and talked to Mr. Fox over the phone. Mr. Fox was convinced to walk out of the woods, disarm himself, and surrender to the deputies.
November 29, 2021, prosecutors charged Mr. Fox with murder in the second degree for the intentional killing of Mr. Richards and he was held in the Jefferson County Jail awaiting trial. Under the Sentencing Reform Act, Mr. Richards faced 123 to 220 months in prison because he had no prior criminal history.
Ballistics testing was performed on a revolver recovered from Mr. Fox and the results of the test showed the revolver fired the fatal shot.
On September 30, 2022, Mr. Fox appeared in Jefferson County Superior Court and pled guilty to murder in the second degree.
Prosecutor James Kennedy thanked everyone who worked to resolve the case: “Deputies did excellent work to peacefully apprehend the defendant less than 24 hours after the murder. Once they took him into custody, our newest, but most experienced deputy prosecutor was assigned the case. Though new to our office, she was able to work with local law enforcement and get justice for the family. I appreciate her hard work and dedication. I know the family will always mourn the loss of Mr. Richards, but I hope this plea helps with the grieving process.”
Sentencing is set for October 28 at 8:30 AM in Jefferson County Superior Court.
