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 The Associated Press, The Boston Globe and other media
organizations have asked a Salem District Court judge to lift an
order that bars public viewing of search warrants and other
documents in the case of 14-year-old Philip Chism. Some of those
documents are expected to be made public Friday.
Chism has been held without bail since shortly after the Oct. 22
slaying of 24-year-old Colleen Ritzer, whose body was found behind
Danvers High School.
He was indicted Thursday on charges of murder, aggravated sexual
assault, and armed robbery. Authorities say he sexually assaulted
Ritzer with an object before killing and robbing her.
"The indictments returned today detail horrific and unspeakable
acts," Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said.
The indictment says Chism, armed with a box cutter, stole Ritzer's
underwear, credit cards and iPhone. A ruling on her exact cause of
death is pending.
Chism had previously pleaded not guilty to a murder charge. A
message seeking comment was left with his attorney Thursday. The
indictment adds charges of aggravated rape and armed robbery.
Chism was spotted leaving a movie theater about 6:30 p.m. on the day
Ritzer was killed, then picked up by police as he walked along a
highway in a neighboring town six hours later. Police said they
believe Ritzer died sometime after the school day ended at 2 p.m.,
but they have not said exactly when.
Ritzer's family issued a statement saying they continue to mourn and
asking for privacy.
"We are devastated and heartbroken by the details of the horrific
circumstances surrounding the death of our beautiful daughter and
sister, Colleen," the statement said.
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Prosecutors have not revealed a motive for the killing, though two
classmates said Chism was in Ritzer's class after dismissal the day
she was killed.
Chism had moved to Massachusetts from Tennessee before the start of
the school year and played on the school's junior varsity soccer
team.
Court records indicate Chism's parents had difficulties early in
their marriage. In a parenting plan included in 2001 divorce papers,
his mother, Diana, insisted on supervising any time her husband,
Stacy, had with their son and a younger daughter. She cited "prior
physical and emotional abuse as well as alcohol abuse" by her
husband. Both adults signed the papers.
The divorce was apparently never finalized after both parents signed
an order stating they wanted to attempt to reconcile.
Shortly after the killing, Diana Chism released a statement through
her son's public defender saying she was heartbroken for Ritzer's
family.
Ritzer was described as an enthusiastic, caring teacher who stood
outside her classroom and greeted all students, whether they were in
her classes or not.
Ritzer's family has established a scholarship to honor her work. It
will benefit graduates of Andover High School, in her hometown, who
pursue teaching careers.
[Associated
Press; LYNNE TUOHY]
Copyright 2013 The Associated
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