Arrest Made & Possible Motive Uncovered In Murder Of Former Springs Firefighter
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - There has been a major break and a possible motive discovered in the murder investigation of a retired firefighter.
Daryl Ritz, 58, was on his father's land in rural El Paso County last week when he was shot and killed. Authorities have arrested Gustavo Torres-Gonzales in connection with his murder.
"We believe the connection between the two was through the property," Detective James Vidmar with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office said.
Detectives believe Ritz may have gone to his family's property near Falcon on May 16 in order to potentially meet a buyer for his father's land, which was up for sale.
"We believe that Mr. Ritz went to his family's property and was confronted by our suspect and subsequently was killed on his property," Vidmar said.
Torres-Gonzales was arrested Sunday while investigators conducted search warrants of the area.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen or heard something last Monday to come forward. Additionally they're asking anyone who may be in the area of Black Forest and Shoup Road in El Paso County to be on the lookout for Ritz's iPhone 6, which has yet to be found.
"We think that it could provide some details regarding the investigation," Vidmar said.
Ritz served as a member of the Colorado Springs Fire Department for more than three decades before retiring. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
Detectives say Torres-Gonzales was injured at some point during his arrest and remains in the hospital. His next court date is scheduled for next week.
