Defense Lawyer: Philip Chism Killed Colleen Ritzer

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Opening arguments in Philip Chism’s trial began on Monday in Courtroom I in Salem Superior Court.

Chism is charged with raping and killing his high school math teacher, Andover native Colleen Ritzer. His lawyer told a jury that he killed her and “did unspeakable things to her body,” according to WBUR.com.

Lawyers for Chism, who was 14 years old at the time of his alleged crime, sought a mental health evaluation for him in mid-October. The judge declared the now 16-year-old Chism competent after reading a report on his ability to understand the trial proceedings and assist his attorneys.

Defense lawyer Denise Regan, began her opening statement Monday by telling the jury, “Philip Chism killed Colleen Ritzer.”

Essex Assistant District Attorney Kate MacDougall detailed Chism’s alleged actions in her opening statement, according to the Boston Globe.

Seventeen jurors were selected for the trial. Jury selection resumed last week after it was suspended for about three weeks while a court-appointed psychiatrist evaluated Chism’s competency to stand trial.

The sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. every day throughout the trial, according to the Essex district attorney’s office.

On Dec. 2, the session is expected to go later than 1 p.m. The trial is expected to conclude the week of Dec. 21st.