In the town of Danvers in Massachusetts, a 14-year-old high school student is accused of killing a 24-year-old schoolteacher in a faculty bathroom on Tuesday (Oct. 22). Details have been emerging in the case, with friends of the boy puzzled at the news.
Philip D. Chism had an arraignment hearing earlier this afternoon (Oct. 24) in Salem District Court, and was ordered to be held without bail. Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer’s body was found behind the school in the woods. Reports from several local and national outlets say that Chism used a box cutter in the brutal slaying, and was allegedly seen on video moving Ritzer’s body to the woods using a recycle bin.
According to developing reports, the boy reportedly went to see a Woody Allen film, skipped soccer practice and didn’t return home Tuesday night. Chism, who relocated to Danvers from Tennessee, was reported last seen at the Hollywood Hits movie theater according to Danvers police. Based on accounts from his fellow classmates and soccer teammates, Chism was well-liked on and off the field.
All schools in the Danvers public school system were closed today as police swarmed the Danvers High collecting evidence related to Ritzer murder. Although a statement issued was released today by the Ritzer family, no word has come forth from Chism’s side.
Chism is currently being held without bail and will be tried as an adult. He has pleaded not guilty.
Hit the jump to see a photo of Chism at his arraignment hearing.
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Photo: Boston Globe, WEAR
