Colleen Ritzer was a young woman with a bright future, a dedicated teacher who had always dreamed of being in the classroom. She was kind, loved by her friends and family, and passionate about helping her students succeed. At just 24 years old, she had already made an impact at Danvers High School, where she taught math and was well-liked by both colleagues and students.
On October 22, 2013, what seemed like a normal school day took a horrifying turn. School had ended by 2 PM, but Colleen, as she often did, stayed after to assist any students who needed extra help. Two students remained that day, one of them being 14-year-old Philip Chism. Philip was new to Danvers, a quiet and shy boy who played on the soccer team. That evening, he never returned home, and his mother reported him missing. At the same time, it became evident that Colleen was also missing.
Authorities began searching both the school and the surrounding areas. In the nearby woods, they discovered a bag containing Colleen’s clothing, along with a recycling bin that had blood inside. Within the school, they found blood in one of the women’s bathrooms. Fortunately, the school had recently installed over 100 security cameras, providing crucial footage that helped piece together the tragic events of that day.
At 2:54 PM, Colleen was seen walking down the hallway toward the women’s bathroom. Moments later, Philip followed her, looking around cautiously before entering the bathroom behind her while putting on a pair of gloves. Some time later, he exited, leaving the school only to return in a different outfit. He then went back to Colleen’s classroom, took her belongings along with his own, and retrieved a recycling bin. He was later seen leaving the school with it. At times during these movements, he was captured wearing a black ski mask.
Colleen was never seen leaving the bathroom, and it became painfully clear why. Her body had been removed in that recycling bin. Philip was soon found wandering outside, and in his possession, authorities discovered Colleen’s driver’s license, insurance card, credit card, purse, undergarments, and a box cutter covered in her blood. He did not attempt to hide what he had done and readily confessed to the crime, even directing police to where they could find her body.
When investigators discovered Colleen’s remains in the woods, the extent of the violence was horrifying. She had suffered a brutal attack, and evidence indicated that she had been assaulted both before and after she had passed. The community was devastated. Over 1,000 people attended her funeral to mourn the loss of a young teacher who had so much more to give.
Philip pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming he had suffered a temporary psychotic break. However, many, including myself, find this difficult to believe. He had brought a box cutter, gloves, a ski mask, and a change of clothing to school, which strongly suggests premeditation. This was not an impulsive act but something planned. The reason why he committed such a horrific crime may never be fully understood, but what is clear is that Colleen’s life was stolen in an act of unimaginable cruelty.
Philip Chism was found guilty of most of his charges, though the court did not find enough evidence to convict him of assault in the woods. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.
Colleen Ritzer was just 24 years old, at the very beginning of what should have been a long and fulfilling life. Her loss is felt deeply by her loved ones, her students, and the countless others who will never have the chance to learn from her. The tragedy of her passing is immeasurable, and her story is one that should never be forgotten.
