On the somber occasion marking five years since the unsolved homicide of Scott Ratigan, the Arlington County Police Department is once again appealing to the community for help. Scott Ratigan, who was just 24 years old, was found dead from trauma to his upper body inside his Ballston apartment on January 17, 2020. Authorities are determined to keep the case in the public eye, believing that someone out there holds the crucial piece of information needed to bring closure to the victim's family and justice to the forefront. A family-driven reward of $50,000 is still being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s), according to an announcement by the Arlington County Police Department.
Reflecting on the persistence of this open wound in the community, evidence recovered at the scene suggested that the suspect(s) attempted to hastily clean the crime scene before escaping the residence. The one-year mark brought forth the release of surveillance video showing a person of interest, who remains unidentified, despite the distinct physical description provided by police. The individual, thought to quickly leave the area around the time of the murder, is described as a white male, ranging in height from about 5'6" to 5'8", with a body weight between 150 and 175 pounds, donning all black and carrying a black backpack. The person of interest also has a peculiar pigeon-toed walk.
The anniversary renews the urgency for tips and the community’s commitment to justice. The Arlington Police Department continues rigorously to follow up on leads and emphasizes that any shred of information could be the linchpin in solving the homicide of Scott Ratigan. The statement from the Arlington County Police Department reads, "The passage of time does not diminish the need for answers and accountability in this senseless act of violence that took Scott’s life."
Authorities are asking anyone who knows anything to step forward. Whether the information is a direct lead or a seemingly insignificant detail, it could prove integral in cracking the case open. Those who have any relevant information are encouraged to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or via email at [email protected]. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by contacting the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). The Arlington County Police continue vigilantly to seek the critical connections that could elucidate the tragic and untimely death of Scott Ratigan.
