Stratford authorities are now offering a $10,000 reward to anyone providing valuable information that could help solve the longstanding disappearance case of Derek Ritz, a Perth South man. Ritz, who was 51 years old at the time, was last spotted at a residence in the Avonton Road area of Sebringville, Ontario, in the early hours of December 31, 2016. Although reported missing to Perth County Ontario Provincial Police on January 7, 2017, the case was later transferred to Stratford police in 2019.
Despite nine years passing since his disappearance, the Stratford community remains determined to uncover the truth. Shelly Smith, a local resident close to Ritz’s inner circle, emphasized the continued support from the community in finding him. “People constantly encourage me to persist and not lose hope, as this search holds great significance for them,” stated Smith. “They are eager for closure. After nine years, it’s time for answers.”
Stratford police have diligently investigated the case, interviewing over a hundred potential witnesses and extensively searching multiple properties in the area. Mark Taylor, the acting deputy chief of the police service, affirmed the commitment to locating Derek Ritz, stating, “The recovery of Derek Ritz remains a top priority for the Stratford Police Service.” In a recent statement, the police announced the reward and expressed the desire to bring closure to Ritz’s loved ones and the broader community impacted by his disappearance.
Described as five feet 11 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, Ritz had shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of a woman with a snake on his right forearm. He was last seen in blue jeans, a dark shirt, and a leather motorcycle jacket, potentially carrying an orange backpack. Ritz was known to frequent Sebringville and Stratford, often traveling on foot between the two locations.
Anyone with information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, is urged to contact Det. Sgt. Mike Weyers at 519-271-4147, extension 8184, or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).