Brampton man arrested for alleged murder of ex-girlfriend and mother of his child

Brampton | Crime | Latest News |

By

Published June 22, 2022 at 3:17 pm

Police are searching for Linval Alfonso Ritchie, a 29-year-old man from Brampton wanted for murder. (Photo courtesy of Peel Regional Police)

Police have arrested a Brampton man accused of murdering the mother of his son in what is being called a case of deadly intimate partner violence.

Vanessa Virgioni was found dead at her Brampton home around 6:00 a.m. on Friday (June 17) following complaints to police about a “disturbance” at a residence in the area of Aloma Cres. and Avondale Blvd.

Police say the suspect Virgioni’s murder fled the scene, and was later identified as 29-year-old Linval Alfonso Ritchie.

After days on the run, Ritchie was arrested on Sunday and charged with First Degree Murder, according to Peel Regional Police.

He was held for a bail hearing and appeared the same day before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton in answer to the charge.

Family members say Virgioni and Ritchie were previously in a relationship and shared a son together. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to support Virgioni’s son, Elijah.

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $47,000 of a $60,000 had been raised.

Police say  Ritchie has a criminal history including violence and a five-year weapons prohibition.

“Vanessa was the most beautiful, magnetic, powerful, positive and outgoing person,” the crowdfunding page reads. “She was always there for everyone who knew her. She had a smile that lit up the whole room and an energy that pulled you in.”

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah described Virgioni’s death as “tragic,” saying police are working with community partners to try and put a stop to intimate partner violence.

“This is a tragic outcome for a young woman and an incredibly difficult trauma certainly for the family and the officers who witnessed the results of this violent act,” the chief said in a release. “I extend my sincerest condolences to the loved ones who have been left behind.”

More than 85 per cent of people who report being victims of family and intimate partner violence in Peel Region are women. The highest reported rate is in the ages 25 to 34, including women of any racial background, sexual orientation, religious or economic background.

Support for anyone experiencing family or intimate partner violence in Brampton, Mississauga or Caledon is available 24/7 at 905-403-0864 or 1-855-676-8515.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising