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06/08/2008
Man Indicted Over Fitness Instructor Death
A man has been indicted by a grand jury in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Cardiff fitness instructor, in the United States.
Lavern Ritch, 37, of Fairwater, Penarth, was killed after intervening in a street fight while on holiday in Margate, New Jersey.
Mr Ritch, a coach at Daniel Lloyd Health Club, taught swimming and fitness classes across the capital and was on a night out with friends when he was murdered.
Robert Davies, 47, appeared before an Atlantic Country grand jury and was indicted on murder, aggravated manslaughter and weapon charges.
In American law, an indictment is a formal accusation of a serious crime.
The case has now been handed to superior court judge James Isman.
It is thought Mr Davies had become embroiled in a disagreement with another person on 12 August 2007, near Maynard's Café, in Margate, which resulted in him being attacked.
Mr Lavern was not involved in the disagreement but that he had attempted to stop the fight.
Mr Davies was arrested on the 23 August for allegedly stabbing Lavern once in the chest before fleeing the scene.
Assistant prosecutor William Merz said Lavern was pronounced dead at hospital shortly after the stabbing.
Mr Ritch was ranked the 12th most eligible bachelor in Wales by the Wales on Sunday. He was also shortlisted for Company magazine's Bachelor of the Year.
Mr Ritch's sister, Carla, 28 said her brother was "an inspiration" because he got children motivated and interested in sport and keeping fit.
Plans are now in place for a Lavern Ritch Foundation that will keep his work alive at the new 50m pool in the International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay.
(DS/JM)
Lavern Ritch, 37, of Fairwater, Penarth, was killed after intervening in a street fight while on holiday in Margate, New Jersey.
Mr Ritch, a coach at Daniel Lloyd Health Club, taught swimming and fitness classes across the capital and was on a night out with friends when he was murdered.
Robert Davies, 47, appeared before an Atlantic Country grand jury and was indicted on murder, aggravated manslaughter and weapon charges.
In American law, an indictment is a formal accusation of a serious crime.
The case has now been handed to superior court judge James Isman.
It is thought Mr Davies had become embroiled in a disagreement with another person on 12 August 2007, near Maynard's Café, in Margate, which resulted in him being attacked.
Mr Lavern was not involved in the disagreement but that he had attempted to stop the fight.
Mr Davies was arrested on the 23 August for allegedly stabbing Lavern once in the chest before fleeing the scene.
Assistant prosecutor William Merz said Lavern was pronounced dead at hospital shortly after the stabbing.
Mr Ritch was ranked the 12th most eligible bachelor in Wales by the Wales on Sunday. He was also shortlisted for Company magazine's Bachelor of the Year.
Mr Ritch's sister, Carla, 28 said her brother was "an inspiration" because he got children motivated and interested in sport and keeping fit.
Plans are now in place for a Lavern Ritch Foundation that will keep his work alive at the new 50m pool in the International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay.
(DS/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mostly dry evening and night with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive, especially in the south. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
