Teen Refuses to Return to Courtroom in Murder Trial

Photo Credit: 7News/whdh.com

The murder trial of a Danvers teen accused of killing his math teacher ended early on Tuesday, the second day.

During the proceedings on Tuesday morning, Philip Chism’s competency came into question when the court took a recess. Court officers said Chism was in his cell, saying he “can’t take it...won’t come out...doesn’t want to hurt someone,” according to 7News/whdh.com

Chism’s trial opened with his defense lawyer stating the teen killed Colleen Ritzer.

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.

Earlier Tuesday, Chism sat and listened as Ritzer’s mother, Colleen, took the stand in the 16-year old’s murder and aggravated rape trial, according to the Boston Globe.