Police Continue to Investigate 1997 Murder of Hudson Valley Assistant Superintendent

Local police are helping for help as they continue to investigate the death of a Dutchess County man, 20 years after his murder.

Around 6 p.m. on February 5, 1997, New York State Police responded to Interstate 84 in the Town of Fishkill, after the victim contacted 911 and reported that he had been shot.

Richard H. Aderson, 47, of LaGrange was heading east on I-84 in his 1995 gray four-door Volvo sedan when he was in involved in a fender bender, about four miles from the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.

Both vehicles pulled over to the side of the roadway by Exit 12 in Fishkill and reportedly were involved in a verbal altercation.

Aderson, a former assistant superintendent for the Valley Central School District, called Dutchess County 911 and reported that he had been shot by the other driver who had fled eastbound on I-84.

Before dying from his injuries, on the way to the hospital, Aderson gave authorities details on the suspect.

The suspect was described as being a white male, in his late forties, with a medium complexion, approximately 6’0” tall and a thin build. He was said to have a receding hair line, a thin nose and was wearing aviator type eyeglasses.

He was driving a Jeep Cherokee, possibly 1997, that was believed to be green in color and may have had New Hampshire license plates.

Aderson’s death continues to be actively investigated by police.

Over 3,000 leads have been followed throughout the 20-year investigation, which has taken members of law enforcement across New England. However, the case still hasn't been solved.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Wappinger by calling (845) 677-7300. Please refer to SJS # 3021797. All calls may be kept confidential.

Filed Under: Fishkill, newburgh

Categories: Hudson Valley News