Richard Ford sentenced to life for Melissa Banda’s murder (PHOTOS)

• Richard Ford was sentenced for Melissa Banda’s murder.
• He got life without parole.
• She had reported him to police several times.

Melissa Banda was kidnapped and murdered by her ex-husband Richard Ford in Texas.

On the morning of Thursday March 7, 2024, Judge Rose Guerra Reyna of the 206th District Court in Hidalgo County sentenced him to life in prison.

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Melissa Banda’s brutal murder shook the Hispanic community of southeast Texas, as it was another case of domestic violence,

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Richard Ford was sentenced for Melissa Banda’s murder

During Richard Ford’s sentencing hearing, one of the daughters he shared with Melissa Banda, spoke to the judge.

«I’m so heartbroken. My mom was my best friend,» said Elizabeth Ford.

Richard Ford was sentenced to life in prison after he was convicted of capital murder for killing his ex-wife.

Judge Rose Guerra Reyna of the 206th District Court in Hidalgo County announced that he would not be eligible for parole.

Melissa Banda took out a restraining order

Richard Ford will be transferred to a prison by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) where he will serve his sentence.

On November 7, 2019, Melissa Banda went to a civil court in Hidalgo County to file a divorce petition.

In addition to filing for divorce, Banda also asked the authorities for a restraining order against her violent husband.

Richard Ford and Melissa Banda had three children together, two girls and a boy.

What Ford did leading up to the terrible crime

In February 2020, Richard Ford, already separated from Melissa Banda, broke into her house, tried to strangle her and threatened to harm her children.

After the attack, Melissa Banda reported him to the McAllen Police Department (MPD).

In the report, the MPD officers stated that Melissa Banda was sure that Richard Ford was stalking her using a device that he had placed in her car.

On the morning of August 6, 2020, Melissa Banda, 37, was due to appear in Hidalgo County court for the divorce hearing.

Ford kidnapped Melissa Banda

Melissa Banda did not arrive at court. The night before she had reported to MPD that Richard Ford was hanging around her house but no patrol officers were sent to investigate.

That Thursday, August 6, 2020, Melissa Banda was leaving her home, 7100 North Seventh Street, when a Dodge Journey truck stopped next to her.

Richard Ford took advantage of the fact that she was alone to grab her. Banda screamed, kicked and struggled. But it was all in vain. Ford overpowered her and forced her into his vehicle.

Melissa Banda’s screams alerted the neighbors and her three children’s nanny, who came out to see Ford leaving with her.

How police found Melissa Banda’s body

Officers from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to the scene of Melissa Banda’s brutal kidnapping.

Officers searched the area but did not find the Dodge Journey that Richard Ford had used to take her.

On Saturday, August 8, 2020, a rancher reported finding a dead woman in the bushes near his land.

Melissa Banda was lying in a remote are with her throat slit.