N.W. Sex Offender Charged in Briton’s Slaying

NORTH WILDWOOD — City resident Robert Davies appeared before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Michael Conner today to answer manslaughter charges in the death of a British tourist in Margate earlier this month.
Davies, a 46-year-old painter who resided in the 700 block New York Avenue, is accused of stabbing to death Lavern P. Ritch, of Wales, during an altercation near Maynard’s Tavern in the early morning hours of Aug. 12.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor Theodore F. L. Housel charged Davies with aggravated manslaughter, possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose and tampering with evidence.
The judge set Davies’ bail at $80,000 – $30,000 cash and $50,000 bondable. His family, from Chester County, Pa., would need to provide $35,000 for Davies to be released.
Police allege that Davies was in a fight with another individual when Ritch, who was not involved in the altercation, attempted to break it up. Davies then stabbed Ritch once in the chest before fleeing the scene and disposing of the knife and other physical evidence of the crime.
Ritch, a 37-year-old television personality in Great Britain, was on vacation here at the time of his death.
Police found Ritch when they responded to an emergency call. He was pronounced dead at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. The Atlantic County medical examiner said Ritch sustained a single knife wound to the heart.
Davies was registered as a Tier II sex offender under Megan’s Law. He served time in state prison for criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.
Assisting in the case were: Middle Township Police Department, North Wildwood Police Department, Cape May County Prosectuor’s Office, Margate Police Department, and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com