Richards was murdered at his Oakwood neighborhood home, one convicted assailant was sentenced to 16 years in prison, and the anniversary of his death is honored by locals.

Before turning to citizen journalism, Richards had established himself as a house painter, property manager, and real estate agent.

[8] Richards reported on criminal activity in the Oakwood neighborhood for around three years and was known by residents to be a "controversial" figure.

[1][6][11] The Neighborhood News published a listing of crimes, such as shootings, drug sales, thefts, and vandalism.

[2] James Edwin Richards was known as a "controversial" figure in the community, according to Ruth Galanter, a Venice city councilwoman.

[14][15][16] A man was sentenced on 24 February 2003 to 25 years in prison for his role in a national cocaine ring, and it was also believed that he and others were linked to the slaying of James Richards.

[16] It was alleged that Richards was killed because the people in the crime ring thought he was giving police information about their operations.

[19] Richards' Oakwood neighborhood is located in Venice, California and is about 12 city square blocks in size.

"[9] In reaction to Richards' murder, Venice residents spoke of a climate of fear that was settling in as a result of the violence.