After eight years as chief and nearly 29 years overall with the city police department, Fry retired from his post in May 2024. His decision came about a year and a half after the arrest of Bryan Kohberger, who stabbed the four college students to death for reasons detectives said they still don’t know.

At his sentencing hearing, Mr. Kohberger declined a chance to speak about the case. Some families said they wanted answers.