Washington County, PA – Pennsylvania State Police are renewing their call for information in the 1977 homicide of 17-year-old Brenda Ritter, whose body was discovered in South Strabane Township nearly five decades ago.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police Washington Barracks, Ritter was last seen on May 18, 1977, after leaving her boyfriend’s home during a severe storm. Her vehicle was later found abandoned several miles away.
Before a full search could begin, troopers said a state police helicopter crew spotted her body on a hillside along Roupe Road, about three-quarters of a mile from her car. Her clothing was located nearby, and investigators determined she had been sexually assaulted and strangled.
Despite extensive efforts, no suspect has ever been identified. Police said a $5,000 reward remains available for any tip that leads to an arrest or conviction in the case. The reward is funded through asset forfeiture, not taxpayer money.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSP Washington Station at 724-223-5200 or the PSP Tips Line at 1-800-472-8477. Tips can also be submitted online at p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107.
This case was recently highlighted as part of PSP’s “Case File Friday” series aimed at revisiting unsolved homicides across Pennsylvania.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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