MAYS LANDING — A North Wildwood man pleaded not guilty to murdering a British tourist in Margate last summer.
Robert Davies, who was indicted on Aug. 5 on charges of murder, aggravated manslaughter, manslaughter and various weapons charges, in connection with the August 2007 stabbing death of Laverne P. Ritch appeared for arraignment Sept. 4 in Superior Court before the Albert J. Garofolo, Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division, according to a release from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Davies, who appeared with his attorney Ray Lee of the Public Defender’s Office, waived a reading of the charges and entered a plea of not guilty said Assistant Prosecutor William Merz who is representing the State.
It is alleged that Davies became involved in a disagreement with an individual on August 12, 2007, near Maynard’s Café in Margate.
It is alleged that Laverne P. Ritch, who was not involved in the disagreement, attempted to break up the fight. Davies allegedly stabbed Ritch once in the chest before fleeing the scene.
Ritch, 37, of Penarth, South Wales in the United Kingdom, was pronounced dead at the hospital, shortly after the stabbing. Ritch was a swimming coach and television personality in Great Britain. He was on vacation here visiting friends from Cherry Hill at the time of his death.
Davies, who was employed as a painter, resided in the 700 block of New York Avenue at the time of the stabbing.
Davies was registered as a Tier II sex offender under Megan’s Law. He served over three years in state prison, from May 26, 2000 to Aug. 29, 2003, for criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.
Davis remains in the Atlantic County Justice Facility in lieu of $500,000 bail, cash or bond.
Davies is next scheduled to appear in court on September 29, 2008.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
