The family of a slain Danvers High School teacher is standing their ground as the man convicted in her brutal murder appeals to the state's highest court. Philip Chism, who was 14 at the time of the crime, received a life sentence with parole possible after 40 years for the 2013 murder of Colleen Ritzer. Now 25, Chism is seeking to have his convictions vacated and a new trial granted, as reported by Boston.com.
Chism's legal team bases their appeal on the argument that excluding brain-scan evidence during the initial trial prevented the jury from fully considering their assertion that Chism was plagued by a psychotic disorder. The family of Colleen Ritzer has responded with determination, expressing their intent to oppose any reduction of his sentence. They highlighted Chism's subsequent attack on a female counselor while detained as indicative of the threat he continues to pose. "Colleen and our family will not be afforded a second chance. If we live in a just society, neither should he," the family's statement articulated, as obtained by WCVB.
Ritzer was tragically raped and murdered inside the school where she taught. Chism was tried as an adult and found guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated rape, and armed robbery after a trial that revealed the disturbing details of the assault.
The Ritzer family's statement also addressed the emotional toll of their prolonged battle for justice. "For more than a decade, we have fought tirelessly for justice for Colleen, but there can never truly be justice for the life that was stolen from us. We will continue to fight these senseless judicial proceedings because we owe it to Colleen and her memory," in a statement obtained by Boston.com. In addition, Chism's 2014 assault on a detention facility worker resulted in a separate guilty plea earlier this year, with a sentence that will run concurrently with his current one. This development raises further concerns for the family regarding his potential for reform.
