Stratford authorities are now offering a $10,000 reward for any information that could help solve the longstanding disappearance case of Derek Ritz, a resident of Perth South. Ritz, who was 51 years old at the time, was last seen in the early hours of December 31, 2016, at a residence in the Avonton Road area of Sebringville, Ontario, which is a small town located northwest of Stratford. The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police were informed of his disappearance on January 7, 2017, and the case was later transferred to the Stratford police in 2019.
Despite nine years passing since Ritz was last seen, the community in Stratford remains determined to uncover the truth. Shelly Smith, a Stratford resident close to Ritz’s inner circle, has been actively advocating for his discovery, stating that community members constantly encourage her to persist in the search for answers. According to Smith, the community’s primary concern is to bring closure to the case, emphasizing that after such a long time, it is essential for the mystery to be resolved.
The Stratford police have been diligently investigating the case since assuming jurisdiction, having interviewed over a hundred potential witnesses and extensively searched numerous properties in the area. Mark Taylor, the acting deputy chief of the police service, affirmed the commitment to finding Derek Ritz, highlighting that uncovering his whereabouts remains a top priority. In a recent online statement, the police announced the $10,000 reward for any information leading to solving the case, aiming to bring closure to those close to Ritz and acknowledging the impact of his disappearance on the broader community.
Described as approximately five feet 11 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, Ritz was recognized for his shoulder-length brown hair and distinctive tattoo of a woman with a snake on his right forearm. He was last seen dressed in blue jeans, a dark shirt, and a leather motorcycle jacket, often seen walking between Sebringville and Stratford with a possible orange backpack. The Stratford Police Service urges anyone with information, regardless of how small it may seem, to reach out to Detective Sergeant Mike Weyers at 519-271-4147, extension 8184, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
