“At no time is the investigation over. It is just getting started.” Those are the words of Vance Hill has he held a press conference Thursday morning to announced that on Wednesday, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers arrested and charged 21 year-old Ryan Riggs with the capitol murder of Rhonda Chantay Blankinship.
Blankinship’s body was found in a rural area of Brown County on May 15, 2016. Her body had been dumped into an old cellar that was partially caved in. An autopsy revealed that her death was due to homicide. The cause of death was determined to be a crushed larynx with blunt force injuries to her neck, face and torso. Evidence of sexual assault was located and preserved. A lawn mower blade was also recovered at the scene. The blade was analyzed and compared to the wounds on the body, with confirmation that it was used to some of the injuries.
Several months into the investigation, lead investigator Scott Bird learned of a new technology where DNA samples could be used to determine an individual’s skin, eye and hair color as well as their ancestry-a process known as phenotyping. Parabon Nano Lab in Virginia provided a profile within a few weeks that provided investigators with a high percentage of certainty as to Riggs’ identity.
Within hours of the profile being made public, several tips were received, with Riggs being one of the suspects identified. Further investigation showed that Riggs, who was never a suspect, was an acquaintance and her boyfriend, and also lived in the same area.
Around this same time, Riggs became a suspect in an illegal dumping case. Once Riggs learned investigators want to make contact, he fled from deputies for several days. “The profile made him nervous,” Hill said. “That is the reason he took off.”
Wednesday evening, Hill received a call from the pastor at North Lake Community Church who informed the sheriff that Riggs had confessed to the murder not only to him, but to the entire congregation. Riggs was escorted to the law enforcement center by his parents, where he gave a full confession. The confession “lined up” with evidence at the scene, Hill said. Investigators have since recovered additional evidence based on the confession of Riggs.
District attorney Micheal Murray discussed the death penalty. “Any prosecutor who takes on a murder case will want to make sure the investigation is complete,” Murrays said. “The hard work really begins now as they dig in and complete the investigation. At some point, I will have numerous conversations with various people, including family members as well as others.”
Hill said he is glad the closure process has begun for everyone. “It is a great burden off the entire family and our department,” Hill said. “Last night is the best four hours I have slept in months.”
Lead investigator Scott Bird talked about the team effort. “This is a great feeling,” Bird said. “This was not a one person investigation. Everyone helped. Having somebody in jail is wonderful. It is just a great feeling.”
Bird pointed out that Texas Ranger Jason Shea was “pivotal” in the investigation and thanked the Brownwood Police Department for their efforts.
The November session of the Brown County Grand Jury is underway today. That group will make the final decision as whether or not to indict Riggs on a capital murder.
Ryan Riggs
Ryan Riggs
Sheriff Vance Hill showing a side by side of Riggs actual photo and the phenotyping profile that was created.
The actual side by side photo.
Sheriff Vance Hill, Lead Investigator Scott Bird, District Attorney Micheal Murray and Texas Ranger Jason Shea at Thursday’s press conference.