Jurors expected to begin deliberations in Philip Chism case Monday
Attorneys for Philip Chism and the prosecutors trying to convict him are expected to give their closing arguments Monday, then hand the case over to jurors.
Over 13 days of testimony, jurors heard about how Colleen Ritzer died at the hands of her then-14-year-old student at Danvers High School. They heard about Chism’s move from Tennessee to Danvers just a few months before the murder. And they heard competing testimony about Chism’s mental state — how he was experiencing a psychotic break, in the words of the defense, or, alternatively, how he was sane at the time of the crime and now faking a mental illness, like the prosecution argues.
Jurors will decide on four counts — first-degree murder, armed robbery and two counts of aggravated rape. He could be sentenced to life in prison on the murder charge alone, though with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
Chism’s attorneys aren’t contesting whether Chism killed Ritzer, but argue he should be found not guilty by reason of insanity and sent to a state hospital.
In order to convict him of first-degree murder, jurors must find that Chism acted with deliberate, premeditated malice, or with extreme atrocity or cruelty, or while in the commission or attempted commission of another felony — such as aggravated rape.
Jurors could also choose to find him not guilty by reason of insanity, meaning he’d be committed to Bridgewater State Hospital. Attorneys said if that happened, he’d be given one-on-one supervision until he turned 18.
The trial officially started Oct. 7 with jury selection, but was put on hold on Oct. 15 after questions were raised about Chism’s competency to stand trial. Chism was sent for a 20-day competency evaluation, and on Nov. 4, the judge found the teenager was competent.
Hundreds of potential jurors were called. Opening statements were Nov. 16.
Closing arguments were initially expected to come Friday. But lead defense attorney Denise Regan went home with a stomach illness Thursday afternoon, leading to the delay.
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