For nearly five decades, Secret Witness of Northern Nevada has given people a way to share information that has helped investigators solve crimes, and the organization is now remembering the person who created the program.
Don Richter, a Reno businessman and founder of Secret Witness, died of natural causes at the age of 86 on Saturday, July 25.
Richter founded Secret Witness in 1979, creating one of the first Crime Stopper organizations in the country. Since then, tips submitted through the program have helped solve nearly 50 murders and hundreds of other crimes.
The program began serving the Reno and Sparks area before expanding to include the entirety of Nevada except the Las Vegas area. Secret Witness also serves seven California counties that border Northern Nevada.
The organization said Richter’s vision and dedication will continue to guide its work for years to come.
In addition to creating Secret Witness, Richter spent years involved in community affairs. He served on the City of Reno Planning Commission, was an appointed member of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and was a longtime member of Rotary International.
Richter’s wife, Patti, died in December 2025. He is survived by his son, Brock Richter, (Kristine), daughter Kristen Kreutzian (Joey), grandchildren Allison Wood (Thomas), Madeline Anderson (Thomas), Caleb Richter and Zach Richter.
Secret Witness extended condolences to Richter’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his lifelong commitment to protecting the community.
Information regarding memorial services or opportunities to honor Richter’s legacy will be shared as it becomes available.
