SJC supports Chism’s conviction for killing teacher Danvers

Crime

The Supreme Judicial Court confirmed the sentences against Philip Chism, who raped and killed Danvers High School Math Colleen E. Ritzer in 2013.

Philip Chism, which was Convicted in 2015 To rape and kill mathematics teacher Danvers High School Colleen E. Ritzer in 2013, has refused a new trial and will not be eligible for conditional freedom until the 54th anniversary, the Supreme Court decided on Tuesday.

Chism, 26, it appeared In front of the Supreme Judicial Court last year and asked the court to leave his convictions. The court rejected the appeal in a decision on Tuesday.

“After we have carefully examined the registration, we conclude that none of the errors stated, standing alone or cumulatively, does not require a new process and that there is no other basis to disturb the jury verdict,” wrote Judge Frank M. Gaziano in decision. .

Chismus was convicted of the first degree murder, aggravated rape and reinforced robbery after attacked Ritzer, 24, his math teacher, in a bathroom at Danvers High School.

Chism was 14 years old at the time of the crime and was convict In life in prison with the possibility of conditional freedom after 25 years for the charges of murder. He was also sentenced to a 40 -year -old sentence for rape and robbery, which means he is not eligible for conditioned freedom up to 54 years.

In addition to these charges, Chism has received a concomitant 17-20-year-old penalty for a Attack 2014 On a counselor of the detention facility for minors in Dorchester, where he was detained waiting for the process to kill Ritzer.

Chism said he has the right to a new trial due to several wrong decisions and lack of sufficient evidence to support rape and robbery, according to judicial documents. Chism’s lawyers also emphasized the decisions regarding the evidence and testimony of witnesses who are supposed to have proven to suffer from psychosis when he committed the crime.

Chism also claimed that his 40 -year sentence violates Article 26 of the Massachusetts rights statement. Article 26 is meant to prevent the punishment of an defendant from being disproportionate on a scale that “shocks consciousness”, but Chism’s sentence is proportional, according to the decision.

“Nonhomicide crimes were distinct acts, which caused, as the Commonwealth argues,” suffering and humility, “the decision said. “A forty years of imprisonment does not shock consciousness.”

“We are satisfied with the unanimous decision of the court to assert the conviction and sentences of the defendant,” said the prosecutor of the district of Essex County, Paul F. Tucker, in a statement. “It is clear that SJC considered all the problems carefully and established that the jury verdict should not be reversed.”

“During this process, I was deeply moved and inspired by the grace of the Ritzer family,” Tucker said. “I hope this decision will now bring a measure of justice and purpose.”