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Tourist stabbing inquest to open Tourist stabbing inquest opened
(about 5 hours later)
An inquest is due to be opened in Cardiff into the death of a fitness instructor who was stabbed to death on holiday in New Jersey. An inquest has been opened and adjourned in Cardiff into the death of a fitness instructor who was stabbed to death on holiday in New Jersey.
It is thought Paul Lavern Ritch, 37, from Penarth, was killed as he intervened in a fight. Deputy Assistant Coroner Dr Lawrence Addicott heard that Lavern Ritch, 37, from Penarth, was killed by a single stab wound through his heart.
Robert Davies, 46, appeared in court on Thursday charged with aggravated manslaughter. He was remanded to the Atlantic County jail. His body was released for burial and the inquest adjourned until US authorities complete their inquiries.
Mr Ritch's family said they were "over the moon" police had made an arrest. A man has been remanded in America charged with aggravated manslaughter.
The Atlantic County prosecutors' office said that Mr Davies from New Jersey, was involved in a disagreement with another man outside Maynard's café in Margate, in which he was struck. The inquest at Cardiff Central Police Station was told that Mr Ritch was killed when he went to help the victim of a fight.
South Wales Police Det Chief Inspector Paul Hurley told the hearing that Mr Ritch had been to the beach and had eaten out late with friends, leaving the restaurant at 2am.
He said: "He saw an altercation and went to intervene to break it up. He suffered a single stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead in hospital at 3.04am."
Mr Davies surrendered himself to us, and if he makes bail he will be required to wear a global positioning system tracking device Atlantic County prosecutor Theodore HouselMr Davies surrendered himself to us, and if he makes bail he will be required to wear a global positioning system tracking device Atlantic County prosecutor Theodore Housel
On Thursday, Robert Davies, 46, appeared in court charged with aggravated manslaughter. He was remanded to the Atlantic County jail.
The Atlantic County prosecutors' office said that Mr Davies from New Jersey, was involved in a disagreement with another man outside Maynard's café in Margate, in which he was struck.
Mr Ritch, they went on, tried to break up the fight and Mr Davies stabbed him once before fleeing the scene and disposing of the knife and other physical evidence.Mr Ritch, they went on, tried to break up the fight and Mr Davies stabbed him once before fleeing the scene and disposing of the knife and other physical evidence.
Robert Davies is charged with Mr Ritch's aggravated manslaughter
As well as aggravated manslaughter, Mr Davies has been charged with possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose and tampering with physical evidence.As well as aggravated manslaughter, Mr Davies has been charged with possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose and tampering with physical evidence.
The Atlantic County prosecutor said it was up to the grand jury to determine whether there would be an additional charge of murder.The Atlantic County prosecutor said it was up to the grand jury to determine whether there would be an additional charge of murder.
Theodore Housel said: "Mr Davies surrendered himself to us, and if he makes bail he will be required to wear a global positioning system tracking device."Theodore Housel said: "Mr Davies surrendered himself to us, and if he makes bail he will be required to wear a global positioning system tracking device."
Mr Ritch's body was brought home from New Jersey on Monday by his brother Tony Ritch. A popular figure in Cardiff, Mr Ritch had been voted one of the most eligible bachelors in the UK and once appeared on TV game show Gladiators.
Lavern Ritch was on a two-week holiday in the US He had flown out to the US on 24 July and was staying in the Cherry Hill area of New Jersey. He had been due to return on Thursday.
A popular figure in Cardiff, he was on a night out with friends on 12 August in Margate, New Jersey, when he was stabbed in the chest. His body was brought home on Monday by his brother Tony. The family did not attend the inquest opening.
Mr Ritch had been voted one of the most eligible bachelors in the UK and once appeared on TV game show Gladiators.
His father Louis said he had been astonished by the number of people who had contacted the family since Mr Ritch's death.His father Louis said he had been astonished by the number of people who had contacted the family since Mr Ritch's death.
He said he had known he had a fine son, but he had not been aware just how popular he was.He said he had known he had a fine son, but he had not been aware just how popular he was.
After the inquest is opened at Cardiff Central Police station, Mr Ritch's family are hoping they will be able to fix a date for his funeral.
The inquest into his death will be opened on Friday at Cardiff Central Police station.