Jeremy Scott Ritchie is seen in this booking photograph provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department from Nov. 24, 2013.For someone agreeing to serve 30 years in prison, Jeremy Scott Ritchie seemed as composed as anyone could be. Before he left court, though, he wanted to apologize.
Ritchie, a burly 41-year-old, turned to face the gallery in Hamilton County Criminal Court. He stared at his family members, sitting among the many people gathered for Tuesday’s docket. Then he turned his attention to Crystal Perry Ostrum, his ex-girlfriend, forever 38 after authorities say Ritchie fired nine shotgun rounds into the Soddy-Daisy trailer she was sharing with her new husband in June 2014.
“I apologize,” Ritchie said. “I loved her with all my heart. We tried for a long time to love each other. I love y’all, I hope you forgive me.”
Raising his shackled hands, Ritchie continued. “I’m sorry to my family,” he said. “I love y’all. And I hope you love me and forgive me.”
A wave of sniffles sounded from the gallery before Ritchie was led away.