.jpg;w=480)
A Loveland man who allegedly knew of a woman’s plans to kill her former boyfriend while he was on his postal route in Longmont, now faces a first-degree murder charge.
Andrew James Ritchie, 34, was charged with first-degree murder after deliberation Tuesday in Boulder District Court.
Boulder District Judge Thomas Mulvahill also advised RItchie of his rights. Ritchie — a Colorado correctional officer — faces a preliminary hearing on Jan. 13 for the shooting death of 33-year-old Jason Schaefer. Ritchie is being held without bond.
Schaefer was allegedly shot Oct. 13 by his estranged girlfriend, 26-year-old Devan Schreiner, who is now facing a first-degree murder charge. Mulvahill ruled Tuesday that since the two cases are so similar, Schreiner’s preliminary hearing will coincide with Ritchie’s on Jan.13.
However, Schreiner and Ritchie have not decided yet on a joint trial, Ritchie’s defense attorney — Beth Kelley — told Mulvahill.
Court documents say Schreiner and Schaefer were arguing over visitation rights to their son. Ritchie told investigators he was having an affair with Schreiner and that she had talked to him about killing Schaefer and he had “previously talked her down,” according to an arrest affidavit.
On the day of the shooting Schreiner told Ritchie that “today is the day” and “I have everything I need,” the affidavit states. Ritchie told police he followed Schaefer while he was on his postal route so he could confront Schreiner.
Ritchie said he caught up with Schaefer and had a 15 second conversation with him. Ritchie told Schaefer “something to the effect of you are ‘pushing Devan over the line and you need to watch out for her,” the affidavit states.
Jason replied “I’m not afraid of that b... ” At that point, Ritchie figured he had done his job and he left and went back to Loveland, the affidavit states.
