Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Forum Posts for Richard Esser:
Be respectful. Abuse of these forums will not be tolerated.

It’s hard to imagine the terror and confusion that must have swept through the Edmond post office on that morning in 1986. I’ve been thinking a lot about the bravery it must have taken for the survivors and how devastating it must have been for Rick Esser’s family. Being a newly promoted supervisor, Esser probably walked into work with plans and hopes for what was ahead, just doing what he thought was going to be another ordinary day.
One thing that really struck me reading about this case was how the workplace dynamics are reported to have played a role. It makes me wonder about the social environment and if there were any signs of Sherrill's distress that could have been addressed. It truly shows how critical effective communication and support systems are in preventing such tragedies. I just hope his family found some peace and that the changes made afterward in workplace policies have had a positive impact.
I recently came across this case and couldn't help but think about the impact it must have had on Rick Esser's family and friends. Being the first victim of such a horrific event feels like an unimaginable burden. He had just been promoted and had served our country—what a devastating loss for everyone who knew him.
It's hard to wrap my head around the emotional toll this must have taken on Rick's family, dealing with the sudden absence and the nature of how it happened. Hearing that he was a Vietnam vet adds another layer of tragedy to his story—he survived a war only to face violence again in such a senseless way. I can only hope that those who loved him found some peace over the years through the support of their community and the enduring memorials in Edmond.
Does anyone know if his service or role as a supervisor led to any specific acknowledgments or continued community support for his family? Would love to hear more about how they're honoring his memory today.