# Dave Ritter — Murder in the Gunroom character guide

> Dave Ritter in Murder in the Gunroom by H. Beam Piper.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Ritter, David Abercrombie Ritter

**First appearance:** 0002-i

## Snapshot

Rand's sharp-eyed assistant, posing as a guest named Davies at Rosemont while tracing pistols and springing suspects from jail.

## Who they are

Ritter works the case from the outside, driving his own coupé, running down gun-shop identifications, and keeping Rand briefed on what the police are doing. He is quick enough to sprint around a house and put a bullet at a fleeing suspect's feet before Rand can even round the corner, and loyal enough to swallow being called Davies in front of the Flemings. His legwork on the Leech & Rigdon and his rescue of young Jarrett on a writ give Rand the breathing room to keep investigating inside Rosemont.

## Relationships

### [Jeff Rand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters/jeff_rand)

_friendship_

Dave Ritter, a fellow gun collector and old friend, supports Jeff Rand's investigation and shares insider knowledge of the gun community.

### [Jeff Rand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters/jeff_rand)

_friendship_

Dave Ritter, a fellow gun collector and old friend, supports Jeff Rand's investigation and shares insider knowledge of the gun community.

### [Jeff Rand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters/jeff_rand)

_friendship_

Dave Ritter, a fellow gun collector and old friend, supports Jeff Rand's investigation and shares insider knowledge of the gun community.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/ii)

Listens to Rand's analysis of the murder and agrees with the conclusion that Fleming was killed.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xii)

Rand's office contact; Rand calls him to update on the case.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xiv)

Receives instructions from Rand to get identification on the Leech & Rigdon and to question Umholtz; discusses the murder case with Rand.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xviii)

Rand's assistant, who goes undercover at the Fleming house as 'Davies'; helps apprehend Gwinnett by covering him with a pistol.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xix)

Assists Rand, brings drinks, and comments on the tense atmosphere in the house.

### [The Trap Springs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xx)

Acts as backup, kills Dunmore when he tries to escape; displays competence as Rand's assistant.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters/dave_ritter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters