Melvin Richards, 52, was beaten to death near Bakersfield, California, on February 21, 1992. Richards was living a transient lifestyle and encountered Andrew David Edwards while riding freight trains. The two men drank together; during the session Edwards became enraged and brutally beat Richards, then disposed of Richards’ body by throwing it off the train near Bakersfield.

Edwards later confessed to Richards’ killing as one of several attacks on fellow transients between 1987 and 1992. Reports link Edwards to other fatal beatings after drinking with victims, and he was arrested on January 26, 1993, following treatment for a hand injury from a separate attempted murder.

If anyone knew Melvin Richards, saw him in the weeks before February 21, 1992, or has information about his movements near Bakersfield, please come forward.