Remains Found 50 Years Ago in Boca Raton Identified as Virginia Woman

Patricia Ann Ritchie, also known as Patsy Falls Ritchie, was last seen in 1977 before her death

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has identified the partially buried skeletal remains found in Boca Raton, Florida in 1978 as belonging to Patricia Ann Ritchie, a woman from Harrisonburg, Virginia who went missing in 1977. Advancements in forensic investigative genetic genealogy helped solve the nearly 50-year-old cold case.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of modern forensic techniques in solving long-standing cold cases and providing closure for victims' families. It also raises questions about the circumstances surrounding Ritchie's disappearance and death, which remain unclear.

The details

The partially buried skeletal remains of a woman were discovered by construction workers in a wooded area of unincorporated Boca Raton on January 18, 1978. Authorities determined the victim was a white female between 17-29 years old, but her identity remained a mystery for decades. In 2024, a private laboratory called Othram began assisting in efforts to identify the remains, and in 2025 provided investigators with leads that ultimately led to Ritchie being identified as the victim in December 2025.

  • The remains were discovered on January 18, 1978.
  • In July 2024, the private laboratory Othram began assisting in efforts to identify the remains.
  • In August 2025, Othram provided cold case detectives with investigative leads.
  • In December 2025, Ritchie was identified as the victim.

The players

Patricia Ann Ritchie

Also known as Patsy Falls Ritchie, she was a woman from Harrisonburg, Virginia who went missing in 1977 and was later identified as the victim whose remains were found in Boca Raton in 1978.

Donnie Wayne Ritchie

Patricia Ann Ritchie's husband.

Othram

A private laboratory that assisted in the efforts to identify the remains found in Boca Raton.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the discovery of the remains and ultimately identified the victim as Patricia Ann Ritchie.

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What’s next

Authorities are offering a $3,000 reward for information and are asking anyone who may have known or encountered Patricia Ann Ritchie in the years before her death to come forward.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the power of modern forensic techniques in solving long-standing cold cases and providing closure for victims' families, even decades after the initial discovery of remains. It also highlights the importance of continued investigation and public engagement in helping to uncover the circumstances surrounding unsolved disappearances and deaths.