VSP asking for public’s help in ongoing homicide investigation in Bland County

The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Wytheville Office is asking for the public’s help in a homicide investigation in Bland County.

A report from police says a trooper found a body along a ditch outside of a 2019 white Nissan Sentra on Wilderness Road on Saturday. The body and vehicle were found approximately 100 yards from the exit for Interstate 77 in a pull-off area on the right shoulder of Wilderness Road. Officials say the victim, identified as Bruce Ritchie, 57, from Herminie, Pennsylvania, was located stabbed to death. VSP has determined that Ritchie was traveling north on I-77 when he pulled off at the exit and parked his vehicle.

They also recovered a knife at the scene. Anyone who may have information on the case should contact the State Police Wytheville Division 276-228-3131 or by state police by email questions@vsp.virginia.gov. State police say they are especially interested in hearing from anyone who may recall seeing the white Nissan, other vehicles and/or individuals at the pull-off on Wilderness Road Friday evening (May 22) through noon Saturday (May 23).

Photo Courtesy: Virginia State Police