Digest

This podcast delves into the tragic murder of Colleen Ritzer, a 24-year-old math teacher at Danvers High School. The episode begins by introducing Colleen as a kind, caring, and dedicated individual who loved teaching and connecting with her students. On October 22, 2013, Colleen was murdered by one of her students, Philip Chism. The podcast details the events leading up to her death, including the discovery of her missing car, the investigation, and the discovery of evidence linking Chism to the crime. Security footage from the school captured Chism's actions on the day of the murder, showing him following Colleen to the bathroom, putting on gloves, and leaving the building with a recycling bin. Chism was later found walking along a highway and arrested. He was found to be carrying Colleen's identification and a backpack containing a box cutter covered in blood. He confessed to the murder and led police to her body. The podcast then explores the interrogation and confession, where Chism claimed that Colleen had said something that triggered him, but he refused to disclose what it was. He also stated that he wanted to get caught and go to jail. The episode delves into the possible motive behind Chism's actions, revealing that Colleen had asked Chism to stay after class to discuss his work, and that she may have mentioned the word "Tennessee," which could have triggered him. The podcast then covers the trial and verdict, where Chism pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. His defense attorneys argued that he suffered from early onset schizophrenia, but the prosecution argued that he was sane at the time of the murder. The jury found Chism guilty on most charges. The episode concludes with the sentencing, where Chism was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility in 40 years. Colleen's family expressed their disappointment with the sentence, as they believe he should never be released. The podcast ends by discussing the impact of Colleen's murder on her family and the community, highlighting the efforts of her family to honor her memory through the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to aspiring teachers and promotes kindness.

Outlines

00:00:06

The Tragedy of Colleen Ritzer

This chapter introduces the tragic murder of Colleen Ritzer, a beloved math teacher at Danvers High School, and provides background information about her life and personality.

00:03:37

The Investigation and Discovery

This chapter details the events leading up to Colleen's murder, including the discovery of her missing car, the investigation, and the discovery of evidence linking Philip Chism to the crime.

00:09:06

Security Footage and Chism's Arrest

This chapter focuses on the security footage from Danvers High School that captured Chism's actions on the day of the murder, leading to his arrest and confession.

00:17:23

Chism's Confession and Motive

This chapter explores Chism's interrogation and confession, where he claims that Colleen said something that triggered him, and delves into the possible motive behind his actions.

00:23:44

The Trial and Verdict

This chapter covers the trial and verdict, where Chism pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and the jury found him guilty on most charges.

00:41:11

The Sentencing and Aftermath

This chapter discusses the sentencing of Philip Chism to life in prison with parole eligibility in 40 years, and the impact of Colleen's murder on her family and the community.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the motive behind Philip Chism's murder of Colleen Ritzer?

  Chism claimed that Colleen said something that triggered him, but he refused to disclose what it was. It is possible that the word "Tennessee" may have triggered him, as he had recently moved to Danvers from Tennessee.

• What was the outcome of Philip Chism's trial?

  Chism was found guilty on most charges, including murder, aggravated rape, and robbery. He was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility in 40 years.

• How has Colleen Ritzer's family honored her memory?

  Colleen's family created the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to aspiring teachers and promotes kindness. They also organize the Step Up for Colleen 5K Walk/Run and encourage people to participate in Kindness for Colleen Day.

Show Notes