Philip Chism sentencing set for Jan. 29
Chism, 16, was convicted of first-degree murder, armed robbery and aggravated rape. A judge will decide early next year when he’ll be eligible for parole.
A judge will decide on Jan. 29 when Philip Chism will be eligible for parole for killing, raping and robbing his math teacher.
The courtroom that day will have fewer people wearing pink, Colleen Ritzer’s favorite color. After a request from the defense, Judge David A. Lowy said that only family members of Colleen Ritzer will be allowed to wear her favorite color in the courtroom — not prosecutors or police officers who worked the case.
Chism, 16, was found guilty by a jury in Essex County on Dec. 15 of three felonies — first-degree murder, aggravated rape and armed robbery. His lawyers had argued Chism, who was 14 when he used a box cutter to kill Colleen Ritzer, was psychotic in October 2013. A jury rejected that defense.
First-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence, but Judge David A. Lowy will decide when Chism will be eligible for parole — 15 or 25 years. The other two felonies carry a maximum of life in prison.
If Lowy gave Chism the minimum sentence, which is highly unlikely, he could be in front of a parole board at age 29.
Prior to discussing the sentencing, defense attorney Denise Regan asked the judge to bar anyone other than Ritzer’s immediate family from wearing the color pink. The sentencing, she said, isn’t the appropriate place to honor Ritzer.
Colleen Ritzer
“The courtroom is a solemn place,’’ she said. “It is no place for displays of any particular sentiment … and it’s important there be an appearance of fair and even justice.’’
A frustrated Assistant District Attorney Kate MacDougall, who was wearing a pink bracelet on her wrist during the hearing, said sentencing was absolutely a place for Ritzer to be honored.
“I cannot imagine a more respectful, toned down, appropriate way of honoring Colleen in a place where there is little comfort to her family,’’ she said.
Several police officers and troopers who worked the case wore pink ties during the trial. Despite MacDougall’s objections, Lowy said they, along with prosecutors, should not wear pink, for “perception purposes.’’
“This case impacted law enforcement in a way that I don’t think the defendant can possibly understand,’’ MacDougall said. “And it is something they can do, for all they couldn’t do on Oct. 22 and 23 [the day Ritzer was killed and found] for this family.’’
Juvenile court probation officers will complete a pre-sentencing report on Chism. The report looks into a defendant’s background to help a judge determine what sentence would be appropriate
The sentencing will provide an opportunity for Ritzer’s family and friends to testify about the impact of Chism’s actions. MacDougall said she expects eight to 10 people to speak.
The judge will hear testimony in the morning, and deliver his decision that afternoon.
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