N.W. Man Gets 21-1/2 Years Prison for Tourist’s Slaying

MAYS LANDING – A Superior Court judge sentenced a Cape May County man Thur., April 7 to 21-½ years for the stabbing to death of a British tourist in August 2007 outside a Margate bar, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel stated in a release.
Robert Davies, 49, of North Wildwood, made racist comments to Mario Chavez while in the bathroom at May-nard’s Café on Aug. 12, 2007. Several moments later, Chavez encountered Davies on the street outside the bar. Chavez approached Davies from behind and punched him in the head. Davies chased Chavez down Washington Avenue and several of Chavez’ friends followed. Lavern Ritch, 37, of Penarth, England, a Good Samaritan, joined in the chase, which proceeded to Monmouth Avenue. At that location, Davies turned around and stabbed Ritch. The victim died of a stab wound to the heart. Davies was arrested and charged on Aug. 23, 2007, accord-ing to Assistant Prosecutor Bill Merz.
Due to his prior record of multiple convictions, a motion made by Assistant Prosecutor Merz to have the defen-dant sentenced to an extended term of imprisonment was granted.
Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury sentenced Davies to 20 years on the manslaughter charge of which he must serve 85 percent of the prison term or 17 years on that count. That sentence was ordered to run consecu-tively to an 18-month sentence imposed for possession of a weapon by a convicted person, Assistant Prosecutor Merz said.
The victim’s family attended the sentence from Wales and addressed the court stating that the loss of Mr. Ritch has caused great pain and sorrow to family and friends, Assistant Prosecutor Merz said.
The defendant apologized to the family and stated that he knows that the victim was a good person, Assistant Prosecutor Merz said.