Chism Charged With Murder, Rape, Robbery in Ritzer Case

The Danvers High School student accused of killing his teacher, Colleen Ritzer of Andover, has been indicted by an Essex County Grand Jury for first degree murder and aggravated rape, as well as armed robbery District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett's office announced Thursday.

Ritzer's body was found near Danvers High School on Oct. 23 after police and prosecutors say Philip Chism, 14, murdered her with a box cutter in one of the school's restrooms.

Prosecutors and police determined that the murder happened the day before, on Oct. 22, after Ritzer ordered Chism to stay after school.

"The indictments returned today detail horrific and unspeakable acts,” Blodgett said in a statement. "Since the moment Ms. Ritzer’s body was discovered, a dedicated and professional team of state police detectives assigned to my office, Danvers Police officers, crime scene forensic experts and assistant district attorneys have worked tirelessly to compile and present the evidence to the Grand Jury. This is the first step in a long process to secure justice for Ms. Ritzer and her family."

Chism is to be tried as a juvenile for the rape and robbery charge and as an adult for the murder charge.

The Grand Jury indictment claims that, before murdering Ritzer, Chism — armed with a box cutter — sexually assaulted her and took her credit cards, phone and underwear.

Chism is held without bail and represented by Attorney Denise Regan. A Superior Court arraignment date has not yet been set.