Defense hints at possible insanity defense for teen charged with killing high school math teacher
Attorneys for a teenager accused of raping and killing his math teacher gave more indication in court Thursday that they’ll pursue an insanity defense during the trial.
The court began a second day of jury selection in Salem Superior Court by questioning individual jurors about answers they gave on their questionnaires.
Philip Chism was 14 years old when he was arrested for the rape and murder of his 24-year-old Danvers High School teacher, Colleen Ritzer. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery and two counts of rape.
Defense attorney Denise Regan asked prospective jurors whether, if they find that Chism did commit the crimes he’s accused of, they could “keep an open mind about a lack of criminal responsibility.’’
“If you found he committed these offenses, and found he was not sane, would you have trouble returning a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity?’’ she asked.
Regan also asked whether the “interracial aspect’’ of the crime – Chism is black and Ritzer was white — would have any impact on jurors.
Essex County Assistant District Attorney Kate MacDougall asked whether Chism’s age at the time of the crime would have any affect on them. He is now 16.
There are 45 prospective jurors under questioning today. Eighteen jurors will be selected, with two dismissed, for an eventual panel of 16 for the projected four-week trial.
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