Henrico Police looking for answers after roommates killed ‘execution style’ 28 years ago
Sep 25, 2026
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — It's been nearly 30 years since two roommates were shot "execution style" in Henrico County, and police are still searching for answers.
According to Henrico Police, officers were called to the 300 block of Sleepy Duck Place for a welfare check tied to a suspicious si
tuation on at around 9:45 a.m. on Feb. 11, 1998.
Police found a man and a woman — identified as 36-year-old Shelly Schantz and 33-year-old Allen Ripka, both of Henrico — inside the home with "obvious signs of trauma." They died at the scene.
Police also found an unharmed infant within the home.
33-year-old Allen Ripka [left] and 36-year-old Shelly Schantz [right]. (Photos: Henrico Police)
“Henrico Police Cold Case detectives believe Ms. Schantz and Mr. Ripka were shot execution style by a person or persons known to them,” said Henrico Police spokesperson Karina Bolster in a press release. “Despite the years since this incident, detectives remain determined and optimistic that someone in the community will come forward with crucial information to help bring closure to this case.”
Henrico Police said detectives have followed up on several leads in the case and ruled out a possible "murder for hire" plot.
Anyone with information is asked to contact [email protected] or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or by using P3tips.com.
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