Press Release

Press Release  Chism Indicted on Additional Rape Charge

For immediate release:
1/24/2014
  • Essex District Attorney’s Office

Media Contact   for Chism Indicted on Additional Rape Charge

Carrie Kimball Monahan, Director of Communications

Salem, Massachusetts — An Essex County Grand Jury this morning returned a Youthful Offender indictment charging Philip D. Chism, 15, of Danvers, with an additional count of aggravated rape in connection with October 22, 2013 murder of his math teacher Colleen Ritzer, 24, of Andover. 

The Essex County District Attorney’s Office re-called the Grand Jury to present additional evidence this morning.  The indictment alleges that the defendant forcibly had sexual intercourse with the victim.  Aggravated rape is charged when there is serious bodily harm and/or when the rape was committed during the commission of another felonious and assaultive crime.

Chism had been indicted on November 21, 2013 for murder, aggravated rape and armed robbery and was arraigned on those charges on December 4, 2014.

Mr. Chism is represented by Attorney Denise Regan and remains held without bail.  Indictments are allegations only and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  His next court date is January 30, 2014 in Salem Superior Court for a pre-trial conference.  It is likely that he will be arraigned on the new charge at that time, however, that has not been officially scheduled. 

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Media Contact   for Chism Indicted on Additional Rape Charge

  • Essex District Attorney’s Office 

    Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett is committed to holding criminals accountable, securing justice for victims of crime and providing services and drug treatment to non-violent offenders.
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