MAYS LANDING – Jury selection for the Robert Davies homicide trial is scheduled for Mon., Jan. 24, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. Davies, 49, of North Wildwood is accused of the August 2007 stabbing death of 37-year-old tourist Lavern Paul Ritch.
Davies allegedly had a disagreement with an individual on Aug. 12, 2007 on Amherst and Washington avenues near Maynard’s Café in Margate. The disagreement resulted in Davies being struck, authorities said.
Reports indicate Ritch attempted to break up the fight. He was not involved in the altercation. Davies allegedly stabbed him once in the chest.
Ritch, of Penarth, South Wales in the United Kingdom, was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after the stabbing. He was a swimming coach that was vacationing with friends at the Jersey Shore.
An Atlantic County grand jury indicted Davies on murder, aggravated manslaughter and various weapons offenses in August 2008.
If convicted of murder, Davies could face life in prison.
Jury selection will be held before Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury. Assistant Prosecutor William Merz is representing the prosecution.