James Dale Ritchie

Serial Killer

James Dale Ritchie: The Anchorage Serial Killer

Background

James Dale Ritchie was an American serial killer responsible for five fatal shootings in Anchorage, Alaska, during the summer of 2016. His crimes frightened residents because the victims appeared to have been chosen largely at random, the attacks occurred in public outdoor locations, and investigators initially had no clear suspect. Two of the shootings were double homicides, while the third attack claimed the life of a young man riding his bicycle home from work. Ritchie was born in Anchorage on November 4, 1976, and grew up in the city's Wonder Park neighborhood. As a young man, he was remembered as intelligent, athletic and socially capable. He attended East Anchorage High School, where he played football, and later spent time at West Virginia University. His adult life became increasingly unstable, however, and his record included drug-related offenses, burglary and other criminal activity. In 2005, Ritchie was arrested after entering a residence while carrying handguns and plastic restraints. He was convicted of burglary and spent approximately two years in prison. Afterward, he eventually left Alaska and lived for a period in Virginia, where members of his family resided. He returned to Anchorage in March 2016, only a few months before the killings began.

The Beginning of the Murders

Ritchie's first known attack occurred during the early morning hours of July 3, 2016. A bicyclist traveling along a path near Ship Creek discovered the bodies of 20-year-old Brianna Foisy and 41-year-old Jason Netter Sr. The victims were found west of North Post Road and Viking Drive in Anchorage. Both Foisy and Netter had been shot. Police found no immediate evidence explaining why they had been together or why anyone would have wanted to kill them. Their relationship, if one existed beyond their presence at the same location, was never publicly established. The isolated bike path and the lack of obvious witnesses made the investigation particularly difficult. Foisy had experienced homelessness and substance-use problems before her death. Her family had attempted to help her, but she remained in a vulnerable situation on the streets of Anchorage. Netter had also experienced personal and legal difficulties. Although both victims had complicated histories, investigators found no evidence that either had a known connection to Ritchie. The discovery of two people shot to death along a public trail immediately raised concern, but police did not yet know that the killings represented the beginning of a series. Investigators reviewed surveillance recordings from surrounding areas and released images of people they hoped to identify. No arrest followed, and the killer remained free. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Brianna Foisy Age: (20), Date of Death: July 3, 2016

TIMELINE: The life of accused killer James Dale Ritchie - KTUU