Update
On October 6, 2020, this investigation was referred to the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a formal review. On October 21, 2020, the Colorado Springs Police Department received notification from the District Attorney’s Office that no charges would be filed regarding the death of Daniel Ritchie. The District Attorney’s Office ruled that 35-year-old Jason Wall of Colorado Springs was justified in shooting Mr. Ritchie in self-defense.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Wall and Mr. Ritchie became acquainted with one another at a party located in a neighboring apartment on July 31, 2020. At the conclusion of the party, Mr. Wall invited Mr. Ritchie and his girlfriend over to his apartment where they continued to drink. Mr. Ritchie’s girlfriend left Wall’s apartment leaving the two men alone in Mr. Wall’s apartment. Mr. Wall fell asleep on his couch and was later awoken by being assaulted by Mr. Ritchie. Mr. Ritchie was making demands of Mr. Wall and Wall retreated to his bedroom and retrieved a handgun. Mr. Wall repeatedly told Mr. Ritchie to leave his apartment and warned him that he would shoot. Mr. Ritchie approached Mr. Wall and Mr. Wall fired a single shot striking Mr. Ritchie in his head. Mr. Wall then called 911.
Detectives conducted multiple interviews and processed the scene for physical evidence which all corroborated Mr. Wall’s statement. Mr. Wall sustained significant injuries to his head and face during the assault which included facial and skull fractures.
Original Release
On Saturday, August 1, 2020, at approximately 8:00 A.M., officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) responded to the 4300 block of Mira Linda Point (Vineyards of Colorado Springs) on a reported assault/shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. A second adult male victim with multiple injuries constituting serious bodily injury (SBI) was also located on scene and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The CSPD’s Violent Crimes Section responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for this criminal investigation.
At the current time all involved parties are accounted for and have been interviewed and there is no threat to the community.
On Monday, August 3, 2020 the El Paso County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy of the deceased adult male. The male was identified as 31-year-old Daniel Ritchie Jr. of Colorado Springs. Mr. Ritchie’s death is the 23rd homicide investigation in the City of Colorado Springs. The CSPD investigated 14 homicides at this time last year.
Anyone with information or is a witness to this investigation is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.