New Year’s Eve will mark 10 years since Derek Ritz disappeared from a small village west of Stratford, Ont. His friends are still waiting for the phone call they hope will finally bring answers. “We’re trying, buddy. We’re not going to give up,” said Shelly Smith, a friend and advocate who continues to push for information about Ritz. Ritz, known to many as “Ritzy”, was 51 at the time of his disappearance. He was last seen on foot in Sebringville, Ont. on Dec. 31, 2016. He was reported missing on Jan. 7, 2017. There has been no confirmed sighting of him since. A case that remains open The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) initially investigated Ritz’s disappearance before the Stratford Police Service took over the case. Const. Darren Fischer said the investigation remains open and police are still treating as a missing persons case. “We’re actively taking information from the public,” Fischer said. “We are conducting searches of various areas around our community where we believe that he may have been.” Police said there is no particular vehicle or person they are currently seeking in connection with Ritz’s disappearance. Initial searches by the OPP included ground teams, K9 units and air searches. Investigators have continued to search based on new information, but no searches have located Ritz. Fischer said investigators have a timeline of Ritz’s last known movements and stressed that even seemingly insignificant details could prove useful. “Sometimes, moments in your life, you recall the littlest thing that can lead to the biggest information,” he said. Rumours, but no confirmation Over the years, rumours have circulated in the community about what may have happened to Ritz. Police said they are aware of those stories but have not been able to verify them. “There’s always rumours and stories as to what may or may not have happened,” Fischer said. “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to verify any of those rumours and stories right now.” Please Bring Me Home, a group that investigates missing person cases, has conducted dozens of interviews connected to Ritz’s disappearance. Nick Oldrieve, the founder of the organization, said investigators believe they have gathered substantial information about what may have happened. “We firmly believe that people have information out there,” Oldrieve said. ”We believe we’ve gotten some substantial information as to what likely happened to Derek… we think we understand what happened... who was responsible.” Those are the organization’s conclusions and have not been confirmed by police. Oldrieve said fear may have prevented some people from speaking openly about the case, but he believes more people are now willing to share information. “There was a very real element of fear with this one,” Oldrieve said. “People began to come forward a little more... [we’ll] continue to talk about this until someone says where he is.” He urged anyone who believes they may have information to contact police, Crime Stoppers or the organization directly. Remembering “Ritzy” For those closest to Ritz, the investigation is about more than unanswered questions. Smith remembers him as someone who was generous with the people around him. “He would give you the shirt off his back or his last $5,” she said. “He never asked for anything in return. He just wanted to help people.” She said the uncertainty has been difficult for friends who have spent years wondering what happened to him. Smith believes information held by people in the community could help investigators piece together the circumstances surrounding Ritz’s disappearance. “No small detail is not important,” she said. “Every little detail in this story is important, as it helps piece the story together.” A $10,000 reward Stratford police are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to Ritz’s location. Fischer said investigators continue to accept information and have not ruled out any possibility. “We’re absolutely still investigating all possibilities,” he said. Police also said they have not ruled out the possibility that Ritz could still be alive because there is no definitive proof that he has died. “We’re committed to finding [him],” Fischer said. “We’re going to continue the search for as long as we possibly can.” A plea for answers After nearly a decade, those still searching for Ritz said they are not prepared to let the case fade away. Oldrieve said the goal remains finding Ritz and providing his family and friends with answers. “It’s been long enough,” she said. “It’s time.” For Smith, the message is equally simple. “We’re trying, buddy. We’re not going to give up,” she said. Anyone with information about Derek Ritz’s disappearance is asked to contact the Stratford Police Service or Crime Stoppers. Police said even information that seems minor could help move the investigation forward. This is part of an ongoing series dedicated to cold and unsolved cases in southwestern Ontario. More stories can be found at Unsolved 519.
