Boca Raton Cold Case Solved After Decades, Victim Identified

Authorities identify Patricia Ann Ritchie, a Virginia woman found dead in Florida in 1978

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has solved a decades-old cold case murder in Boca Raton, Florida. In 1978, construction workers discovered partially buried skeletal remains of a white female in a wooded area. Through modern forensic genealogy techniques, the remains have now been identified as Patricia Ann Ritchie, a woman from Harrisonburg, Virginia who was last seen in 1977. Detectives are seeking information from anyone who may have known or encountered Ritchie before her death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of new forensic DNA technologies to crack even the oldest unsolved crimes. After nearly 50 years, the victim's family may finally get answers and closure. The identification also opens up new investigative leads for detectives to pursue the perpetrator of this long-unsolved homicide.

The details

In January 1978, construction workers discovered the partially buried skeletal remains of a white female in a wooded area of unincorporated Boca Raton, Florida. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Medical Examiner determined the remains were those of a woman between 17-29 years old, but were unable to identify her. In 2024, a private lab called Othram began assisting the PBSO Cold Case Unit with genealogical research, leading them to identify the victim as Patricia Ann Ritchie of Harrisonburg, Virginia in late 2025. Ritchie was last seen in 1977 before her remains were discovered in Florida.

  • The remains were discovered on January 18, 1978.
  • In July 2024, Othram began assisting the PBSO Cold Case Unit.
  • In August 2025, Othram provided investigative leads to PBSO.
  • In September 2025, PBSO detectives traveled to collect reference samples.
  • On December 2, 2025, the victim was identified as Patricia Ann Ritchie.

The players

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated this decades-old cold case and worked with Othram to identify the victim.

Othram

A private laboratory that used genealogical research to provide investigative leads that helped solve the case.

Patricia Ann Ritchie

The victim, a woman from Harrisonburg, Virginia who was last seen in 1977 before her remains were found in Boca Raton, Florida in 1978.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to pursue justice for victims, no matter how much time has passed. This identification is a testament to the power of modern forensic techniques and the dedication of our Cold Case detectives.”

— Spokesperson, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Detectives are seeking information from anyone who may have known or encountered Patricia Ann Ritchie in the years before her death. They are asking the public to contact Crime Stoppers or Investigator William Springer with any relevant information.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates how advancements in forensic science, including genetic genealogy, can breathe new life into even the oldest unsolved crimes. After nearly 50 years, the victim's family may finally get answers, and law enforcement has new leads to potentially identify and bring the perpetrator to justice.