Crime & Safety

14-Year-Old Murder Suspect to be Arraigned in Salem

A 14-year-old murder suspect will be arraigned today in Salem.


A 14-year-old boy accused of killing a teacher at Danvers High School Tuesday will be arraigned in Salem Wednesday afternoon.

Click Here for updates on this story. 

Here's a brief timeline of events offered by investigators

Philip Chism, of Danvers,  was first reported missing at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. An alert issued by police said he was last seen at the Hollywood Hits Cinema.

At 11:20 p.m., police learned that 24-year-old Danvers High School teacher Colleen Ritzer, of Andover, hadn't come home from work and wasn't answering her cell phone.

Police searching Danvers High School reportedly discovered blood in a second-floor bathroom and ordered that the building be secured.

Ritzer's body was later found in the woods near the school.

Chism was located at abut 12:30 a.m. walking along Route 1 in Topsfield. 

Salem Patch will post additional information as it becomes available.    



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