Trail still cold on 25-year-old killing

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - S.E. Ritchey and his wife, Ethel, had just returned home from the grocery store late at night after closing their laundromat in Williamson County when they were attacked in their front yard .

They were robbed and brutally beaten in the tiny community of Shiloh. Ethel came to later and called for help. Her husband's skull was fractured.

Now, 25 years after the attack that killed 77-year-old S.E. Ritchey, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office still doesn't know who did it. But they are hoping someone out there can help them solve the case that's been cold since the attack on March 5, 1988.

Help solve a cold case

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is encouraged to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Detective Richard De la Vega at 512-943-1354 or Williamson County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-253-7867.

The attacker robbed the couple, taking Mr. Ritchey’s wallet and $300 from Mrs. Ritchey’s purse. Both victims were brutally assaulted, knocked unconscious, and left to die.

Mr. Ritchey's skull was fractured by the force of a blunt object. He was taken to the hospital for surgery, but died from his injury weeks later.

Mr. and Mrs. Ritchey lived on County Road 479, about 3 football fields off FM 112, near the small town of Shiloh.  Mr. Richey’s wallet was black, and had the initials S.E.R printed on it.