Teen Held Without Bail in Slaying of Mass. Teacher

14-year-old accused of killing 24-year-old Danvers High School teacher

A 24-year-old Danvers High School teacher has been found dead, and a 14-year-old boy is being held without bail on a charge of murdering her.

Math teacher Colleen Ritzer's body was found in the woods behind the school, said Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett.

Philip D. Chism was ordered held without bail at his arraignment this afternoon in Salem District Court. Judge Matthew Nestor approved funds for a mental competency evaluation. Chism is to be tried as an adult; a probable cause hearing was slated for Nov. 22.

Comments

[Jesus H. Christ]

He's not old enough to work outside the home, or to drive, or to drink, or to have sex legally, but he's old enough to be tried for murder? It's a crazy system.