Richard Armitage’s homicide case exemplifies ruthlessness and savagery. It has been over twenty years since the horrifying incident took place.
The victim was a lawyer who was renowned for his commitment to assisting others.
He resided in Kansas City, Missouri, where he balanced his work in organ transplant law and managed a collections agency on the side.
His family and friends held great respect for his integrity and willingness to go the extra mile to aid those in need.
However, tragedy struck when he met a gruesome fate in his downtown law office.
The Gruesome Crime Scene
On May 5, 2000, a concerning report was made to the police about a severely injured individual in a downtown Kansas City building.
Upon arrival, the police found Armitage lying motionless on the floor of his office.
Although he was alive when the first responder arrived, he had sustained multiple injuries.
His office was drenched in blood, indicating the sheer brutality of the crime. It was evident that Richard had been assaulted while seated at his office table before being dragged to the floor.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically, his injuries proved fatal, and he succumbed to them after some time.
Initially, the police labeled Richard Armitage’s injuries as an assault. However, his autopsy revealed that he had been brutally beaten to death with a blunt object.
The investigators were stunned by the personal nature of the crime and worked tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Richard Armitage Homicide Investigation
During the investigation, a significant discovery was made when authorities found that he shared his office space with another attorney named Richard Buchli.
It was reported that Buchli was present at the time of the incident and had moved Richard Armitage from the chair to the floor.
When questioned about the crime scene, Buchli maintained his innocence, claiming that he had moved Richard to assess his injuries.
Despite continuously denying his involvement, authorities found Armitage’s blood in Buchli’s shoes and clothes.
In addition to exploring Richard Armitage’s personal and professional connections, the authorities conducted several interviews during the investigation of the Richard Armitage Homicide case.
Later, attention turned to Richards’s collection agency, considering whether it could have led to someone seeking revenge against him.
However, testimonies from Richard’s acquaintances consistently described him as friendly and forgiving, leaving the police with no significant leads, and the investigation hit a dead end.
Surveillance Footage
Recognizing the significance of surveillance cameras installed throughout the downtown Kansas City building, the police dedicated hours to reviewing the footage, hoping to find crucial evidence or new suspects.
During the extensive review process, the police identified a series of events on the day of the incident.
They came across footage of a suspect entering the building at a specific time and later exiting through a different exit.
The individual’s behavior seemed suspicious and unrelated to the normal activities within the building.
With this new information, the police could focus on identifying the suspect and gathering additional evidence to support their case.
They coordinated with other law enforcement agencies and shared the relevant details to maximize their chances of apprehending the individual responsible for the crime.
Once the suspects were identified, the law enforcement officers proceeded with the necessary legal procedures to apprehend them.
To date, Richard Armitage’s loved ones struggle with their loss.
Depending on the severity of the crime committed, the suspect could face criminal charges.
Where is Richard Buchli now?
In what became a highly contested legal battle, Richard Buchli was recently found guilty of first-degree murder in 2022 and was initially given a life sentence without parole.
However, his previous conviction was overturned in 2006 after it was determined that the prosecution failed to provide the defense with complete CCTV evidence.
Prosecutors attempted to take Buchli to court again in 2008, but encountered further issues regarding the disclosure of evidence.
Ultimately, in 2010, a judge prohibited the use of old evidence against Buchli in future trials, as it appeared that the prosecution would not be able to adequately support its case.
The case of Richard Buchli is a pivotal moment in the judicial investigation of homicide cases and a reminder of the importance of due process in the legal system.
Despite being wrongly accused of murder and spending time behind bars, he was able to reclaim his credentials in 2014 due to a ruling by the Missouri Supreme Court.
Although Buchli has seemingly moved on with his life surrounded by loved ones, the family of Richard Armitage still struggles with the loss and the notion that true justice was not served.
Buchli continues to practice law today, and while his reputation may have suffered, he remains a free man and a respected member of the legal community.
