U.S. Navy · United States 
Richard Fordham
1977
Richard Bert Fordham Sr. served the U.S. Navy for 18 years. Richard also served in the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Bodily force
What Happened
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.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five children.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1959 – 1976
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Lee County Sheriff's Office
Correctional Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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