LOUISVILLE, KY – Milton Ritchie’s life was cut short just days before Christmas, leaving his family searching for answers after a deadly shooting in Louisville’s Pleasure Ridge Park neighborhood. The 20-year-old had reportedly spent the day grocery shopping and visiting his father in the hospital. Not long after those familiar routines, he became the target of a deadly plan that would end with his death.
Police responded to the 3000 block of Fordhaven Road on the afternoon of December 20. When officers arrived, they found Ritchie suffering from gunshot wounds near his car, which had crashed into a ditch. Despite prompt efforts by paramedics, Ritchie was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe Ritchie was lured to the location under false pretenses. Authorities say a 15-year-old girl arranged to meet him there, unwittingly leading him into an ambush. When Ritchie arrived, he was confronted by multiple people, including Daontez Hodges Jr., 19, who is accused of firing the fatal shots. Police say Ritchie sustained wounds to his neck and lower back.
Detectives allege the motive behind the attack was revenge and part of a broader scheme to steal his vehicle. The 15-year-old girl, whose identity authorities have withheld because of her age, was taken into custody last month. She faces charges of complicity to murder and complicity to robbery.
Hodges, who was wanted in connection with Ritchie’s killing, surrendered to authorities earlier this week. He is charged with complicity to murder, complicity to robbery, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and unlawful transaction with a minor.
According to court records, Hodges’ alleged involvement in violent crime continued into the new year. On January 1, he was accused of robbing a liquor store, assaulting a store clerk with a glass bottle, and causing injuries that required surgery. He is currently held at the Louisville Metro Corrections Center with his bond set at $150,000 cash only. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for January 22.
The loss of Ritchie has left a profound mark on his family and friends. His parents expressed gratitude for recent developments in the case, acknowledging the diligent efforts by law enforcement while asking the community for continued prayers as they seek justice on Milton’s behalf.
As the case moves forward through the legal system, those who knew Ritchie are left remembering a young man whose life abruptly ended amid the violence that claimed him. The investigation into his death continues.