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2020 Bland County murder investigation ongoing, VSP asking for tips

Victim Bruce Ritchie (right) and his car at the scene (left) (Credit: Virginia State Police) (WSLS)

BLAND COUNTY, Va. – May 23, 2023 marked three years since the day a Pennsylvania man was found stabbed to death near Interstate 77 in Bland County, according to Virginia State Police.

The body of 57-year-old Bruce Ritchie was found in a ditch along Wilderness Road in 2020, as we previously reported. Police say he had been stabbed to death.

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State police said Ritchie had been north on I-77 when he apparently pulled off the exit and parked his vehicle.

Police say they received dozens of tips and collected substantial evidence at the scene back in 2020, including a knife, but they’re still asking people to come forward if they may know anything – especially from those who may recall having seen a white Nissan, other vehicles, and/or people at the pull-off on Wilderness Road Friday evening, May 22, 2020, through noon Saturday, May 23, 2020.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Virginia State Police Wytheville Division at 276-228-3131 or send an email to questions@vsp.virginia.gov.


About the Author

Alli Graham came aboard the digital team as an evening digital content producer in June 2022.

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