On January 18, 1978, construction workers discovered partially buried skeletal remains in a wooded area in unincorporated Boca Raton, Florida.  The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office along with the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner responded and collected the unidentified remains.  The manner of death was ruled a homicide.  Anthropologists examined the remains and determined that the remains were those of a white female.  She was estimated to be between 17-29 years of age. Through the years, efforts to identify her met with negative results.

In July of 2024, Othram, a private laboratory dedicated to breaking through impenetrable forensic DNA barriers and previously unsolvable case began efforts to assist in identifying the female.  In August of 2025, Othram provided PBSO Cold Case detectives with investigative leads derived from genealogical research.  In September 2025, Cold Case detectives traveled domestically to investigate the leads provided by Othram and to collect reference samples from relatives of the decedent.

On December 2, 2025, the decedent was identified via forensic investigative genetic genealogy as Patricia Ann Ritchie, date of birth 12/3/53, of Harrisonburg, Virginia.  The identification was a direct result of the collaboration between Othram, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit, and the Palm Beach County Office of the Medical Examiner.

It is believed Patricia Ann Ritchie was last seen in 1977 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It is unknown at this time exactly when and with whom Ritchie travelled to Florida before her death.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit detectives are seeking information from anyone who may have known or encountered Patricia Ritchie in the years preceding her death. Please call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 458-TIPS or Investigator William Springer at (561) 688-4013 with any information.