The Sumter County Sheriff's Office remains committed to the families of homicide victims in bringing those responsible for these acts to justice. It is based on that commitment that this Cold Case page is presented to you as we ask for your assistance. Frequently cases are solved due to a citizen coming forward and providing that vital piece of evidence which had been previously unknown to authorities. No matter how small or insignificant you feel your information might seem, please provide it to the Cold Case Unit.
All information provided to the Unit is assessed as a part of the bigger picture or entire puzzle. Many times there is only one missing piece needed to bring a case to justice. Your assistance could make the difference in bringing justice and closure to a victim and their family.
Click on a cold case title to see more information about a specific case.
On May 2, 1979, the skeletal remains of 19 year old Virginia Mary Ries were discovered in a wooded median strip on Interstate 75 just north of Exit 309 in Webster, Florida. Virginia Ries was last seen leaving her mother's home located in Punta Gorda, Florida with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend reportedly dropped her off at Interstate 75 and Busch Blvd in Tampa, Florida. From there Virginia was to hitchhike her way back to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi where she had been serving in the Air Force. Her cause of death was determined to be a homicide as a result of stabbing.
Anyone with any possible information, please contact Lt. Jon Galvin at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office by telephone at (352)569-1600 or (352)569-1680, by fax (352)569-1605 or email at jgalvin@sumtercountysheriff.org.