Philip Chism sentenced to at least 40 years in prison

SALEM, Mass. — A Danvers teen was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the rape and murder of his teacher.

"He carefully and deliberately prepared to kill his math teacher," said Judge Lowy.

The judge gave Chism 40 years and a day for the rape, 25 to life for the murder and 40 years for the robbery, all of which must be served concurrently.  The district attorney said Philip Chism must serve at least 40 years of the sentence. Even though he is eligible for parole in 25 years with the murder charge, because of the 40 years with the rape charge, he will not be eligible until 2052, when he is in his 50s.

Chism, now 16 years old, was convicted of murdering his Danvers High School math teacher, Colleen Ritzer, on Oct. 22, 2013 when he was 14.

Lowy said he had to take into account the danger to the community and the effect of Ritzer's family

The charges against Chism included murder, two counts of aggravated rape and armed robbery. He was found guilty on all charges except one of the aggravated rape charges.

"Colleen Ritzer lived the life of quite heroism...that's what most teachers do," said Judge Lowy.

Family and friends spoke at the sentencing hearing, giving statements. 

"He is pure evil, and evil can never be rehabilitated," said "I will never forgive him for what he did to Colleen and what he took away from our family," said Peggy Ritzer at the sentencing.

Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett asked that Chism be sentenced to life in prison on the murder charge, with parole eligibility after 25 years. Prosecutors also asked for a life sentence, with parole eligibility after 25 years on a charge of aggravated rape. They requested that Chism serve the sentences consecutively, meaning Chism would serve 50 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole.

"Philip Chism is a threat to the public in general, women in particular. These are crimes to make ones's soul ache," said ADA Kate MacDougall.

Chism's defense attorney asked that he be given concurrent sentences and serve 26 years in prison.

Cox Media Group