Annamarie Rittman was simply heading into work when her life was violently cut short.
In the early morning hours of December 27, 2005, the 46-year-old Lowe’s employee was walking through the store’s parking lot in Altoona when she was struck from behind by a pickup truck. Surveillance video later showed a red, four-door Ford pickup swerving into her path just before 5:30 a.m. Rittman was rushed to a local hospital, but she did not survive her injuries.
A mother of three, Annamarie was known as a dependable employee and a devoted family member. Her sudden death sent shockwaves through the Altoona community and launched a complex criminal investigation that would span years.
Police eventually charged Justin Andrew Pollard, a U.S. Army reservist, with first-degree murder. Investigators said they were able to link Pollard’s truck to the vehicle seen in the surveillance footage by matching damage to the bumper and identifying distinctive stickers on the back window. Authorities also noted that Pollard had clocked in to work just minutes after the incident.
Prosecutors argued the evidence showed Pollard intentionally used his truck as a weapon, striking Rittman and leaving the scene without stopping to help. Video footage from multiple nearby businesses was central to the case.
The defense, however, challenged the strength of that evidence. Pollard’s attorney emphasized that investigators did not find fibers, DNA, or human tissue inside the truck linking it directly to Rittman. Pollard’s wife testified that he was never at the scene, and the defense highlighted Pollard’s military service and his recent transition into fatherhood.
In 2007, the case took a dramatic turn when a judge ruled the surveillance video inadmissible, citing issues with playback speed. Charges were later refiled after experts developed a method to properly slow the footage, allowing it to be used at trial.
Despite the renewed prosecution, Polk County jurors ultimately acquitted Pollard in September 2010. The verdict closed the door on any future criminal charges due to double jeopardy protections under the law.
Pollard later filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Altoona, police officials, and a video production company, alleging malicious prosecution and false imprisonment. A settlement was reportedly reached in January 2014, though details were never made public.
Law enforcement officials have continued to stand by the evidence gathered during the investigation and say they are not actively pursuing other suspects. While the case remains technically open, no further action is expected.
Nearly two decades later, Annamarie Rittman’s death remains unresolved.
She is remembered by her husband, Brian, and their three children. Rittman was laid to rest at New Altoona Cemetery, not far from the parking lot where her life was taken.
Anyone with information related to Annamarie Rittman’s death is encouraged to contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at (515) 725-6010 or the Altoona Police Department at (515) 967-5132.
