5 Chilling Facts About Philip Chism’s Murder Of Teacher Colleen Ritzer And His Denied Appeal

The brutal 2013 murder of beloved Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer by her 14-year-old student, Philip Chism, remains one of the most horrific crimes in modern school history. As of December 2025, the case continues to draw attention, primarily due to the ongoing legal efforts by the convicted killer. The most recent and significant update is the definitive denial of Philip Chism's appeal for a new trial or resentencing, solidifying his life sentence for the heinous acts of first-degree murder and aggravated rape. This article delves into the full, chilling details of the case and the legal battles that have followed. The tragic event, which occurred on October 22, 2013, shook the quiet community of Danvers, Massachusetts, sparking national conversations about school safety, juvenile crime, and mental health in the legal system. The details of the crime, involving a teacher being attacked inside her own school, highlighted a severe breach of trust and security in an environment meant to be safe.

The Victims and The Perpetrator: A Biographical Profile

The contrast between the victim, a dedicated young educator, and the perpetrator, a troubled freshman, is a central, devastating element of the case.

Colleen Ritzer (The Victim)

• Full Name: Colleen E. Ritzer.
• Age at Death: 24 years old.
• Profession: Ninth-grade Algebra Teacher.
• School: Danvers High School, Danvers, Massachusetts.
• Background: Colleen Ritzer was known for her passion for teaching and her dedication to her students. She was a recent graduate of Assumption College and was in her second year of teaching at Danvers High. Her life was devoted to her family and her career.
• Legacy: The Ritzer Family established the Colleen Ritzer Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to students pursuing a career in teaching.

Philip Chism (The Perpetrator)

• Full Name: Philip Chism.
• Age at Crime: 14 years old (a ninth-grade student).
• Current Status: Serving a sentence of 40 years to life in prison.
• Background: Chism had recently moved to Danvers from Tennessee. He was described by some as quiet and a promising student, but the defense later introduced evidence of severe mental health issues, including a history of psychosis.
• Other Crimes: While awaiting trial, Chism committed two separate assaults in custody, including an attack on a female detention center worker in 2014, for which he later pleaded guilty.

The Chilling Timeline of the Danvers High School Murder

The events of October 22, 2013, unfolded with a terrifying precision that was later revealed through surveillance footage and police investigation.

1. The Initial Encounter and Stalking

The crime began after school hours. Chism stayed behind for extra help with Ms. Ritzer. Surveillance video from Danvers High School showed Chism following Ms. Ritzer into a second-floor restroom, wearing a hood and gloves. He was seen carrying a box cutter, which he later used as the murder weapon.

2. The Brutal Attack

Inside the school bathroom, Chism attacked Ms. Ritzer. The evidence presented at trial revealed the horrific nature of the crime: he strangled her, stabbed her at least 16 times with the box cutter, and sexually assaulted her (aggravated rape).

3. Concealment and Disposal

After the attack, Chism used a recycling barrel to move Ms. Ritzer’s body out of the school. He pulled the barrel through the school hallways and outside, disposing of her body in the woods behind the school property. He also took her credit cards and a driver’s license.

4. The Discovery and Arrest

Ms. Ritzer was reported missing when she did not return home and did not answer her phone. Her mother made a desperate call to the police. Police located Chism walking along Route 1 in Topsfield, Massachusetts, in the early morning hours of October 23, 2013. He was carrying the box cutter and Ms. Ritzer’s belongings. Her body was found shortly after.

The Legal Battle: Conviction and Denied Appeals

The trial and subsequent appeals focused heavily on Philip Chism's age at the time of the crime and his mental state, specifically his defense of mental illness.

The Trial and Sentencing

Chism was charged as an adult with first-degree murder, aggravated rape, and armed robbery. His defense team argued that he was insane at the time of the crime, claiming he was suffering from a psychotic disorder. The prosecution, led by the Essex District Attorney, presented compelling evidence of premeditation and meticulous planning, including the surveillance footage. In December 2015, a jury found Chism guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.

The Core of the Appeal

The defense’s primary legal challenge revolved around two main points:

1. Juvenile Sentencing: As Chism was a juvenile (14) at the time of the crime, his lawyers argued that the sentence of 40 years before parole eligibility was unconstitutional under evolving standards for juvenile offenders.
2. Mental Health Evidence: They argued that certain evidence related to his mental health and alleged confession should have been handled differently or excluded from the trial.

The Latest Update: Appeal Denied

In a major update to the case, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) definitively rejected Philip Chism's bid for a new trial or a reduced sentence. This ruling, which was reported in recent years, confirms that the conviction for the rape and murder of Colleen Ritzer will stand. The SJC found no error in the original trial proceedings or in the sentencing, effectively ensuring that Chism will serve at least 40 years before he is eligible for parole. This decision brings a sense of finality to the Ritzer family, who have consistently sought justice for Colleen.

The Enduring Impact of the Colleen Ritzer Tragedy

The murder of Colleen Ritzer had a profound and lasting effect that extended far beyond the walls of Danvers High School.

School Safety and Security

The fact that a student could commit such a violent crime inside a public school restroom led to immediate and widespread reviews of school security protocols across the state and the nation. Discussions centered on the need for better monitoring of common areas, improved teacher-student reporting systems, and enhanced mental health resources for students who exhibit warning signs.

The Ritzer Family's Advocacy

The Ritzer family, including Colleen’s parents and siblings, have become powerful advocates for victims of violence. They have channeled their grief into the Colleen Ritzer Memorial Fund, which not only provides scholarships but also promotes kindness, compassion, and respect in schools—values that Colleen Ritzer embodied. The family has consistently attended court hearings, ensuring that Colleen’s voice and memory remain central to the legal proceedings.

Focus on Juvenile Justice and Mental Health

The case became a high-profile example in the ongoing debate over how the justice system handles juvenile offenders, especially those with suspected or diagnosed mental illnesses. While the defense presented the argument of psychosis, the jury ultimately found that Chism was criminally responsible for his actions, highlighting the legal complexities of the *mens rea* (guilty mind) in juvenile murder cases. The case underscored the critical need for early intervention and comprehensive mental health support within the school system to prevent similar tragedies.