Man indicted over stabbing death

Lavern Ritch was on a two-week holiday in the US when he died

A man in the United States has been indicted by a grand jury in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Cardiff fitness instructor in August 2007.

Lavern Ritch, 37, was killed after intervening in a street fight while on holiday in New Jersey.

Robert Davies, 47, appeared before an Atlantic County grand jury and was indicted on murder, aggravated manslaughter and weapon charges.

Mr Ritch, from Penarth, taught swimming and fitness classes across Cardiff.

An indictment is a formal accusation of a serious crime, issued by a grand jury after considering evidence presented by a prosecutor.

The indictment has been handed up to superior court judge James Isman.

It is alleged that Mr Davies became involved in a disagreement with an individual on 12 August 2007, near Maynard's Café in Margate.

The disagreement resulted in Mr Davies being struck.

It is further alleged that Mr Ritch, who was not involved in the disagreement, attempted to break up the fight.

Grand jury

Mr Davies allegedly stabbed Mr Ritch, who was on a night out with friends, once in the chest before fleeing the scene.

Mr Ritch was pronounced dead at hospital shortly after the stabbing, said assistant prosecutor William Merz, who presented the case to the grand jury.

Mr Davies was arrested and charged on 23 August 2007 with the killing.