Philip Chism entered the world on January 21, 1999, in Clarksville, Tennessee. From an early age, his passion for sports was undeniable. His athletic abilities, particularly in soccer, set him apart. By the time he reached high school, he was already recognized as a skilled player. In 2012, his impressive performance helped lead his team to a championship victory—a moment that cemented his reputation among his peers.
Despite his success on the field, Philip Chism was known to be quiet and reserved. Those who interacted with him described him as friendly but distant. Beneath the surface, however, his life was far more complicated than it seemed.
A Troubled Home Life
Philip’s childhood was overshadowed by turmoil at home. His father, a former military officer, struggled with alcoholism, which led to frequent episodes of violence and emotional abuse. Arguments between his parents, Diana Chism and her husband, were common, creating a tense and unstable environment.
By 2013, the situation had become unbearable, and Philip’s parents decided to separate. This drastic change forced him to leave Tennessee and relocate with his mother to a small town in Massachusetts. His father moved to Florida, with only limited visitation rights granted as part of their divorce agreement. Practically overnight, Philip Chism found himself in a new home, a new school, and a new life—one he was not prepared for.
Struggling to Adapt
Adjusting to his new surroundings was not easy. Philip Chism, naturally introverted, found it difficult to connect with others. He kept to himself, avoiding unnecessary conversations and choosing his interactions carefully. Over time, however, he attempted to integrate, even trying out for the basketball team.
Despite making some friends, Philip Chism remained distant from most of his classmates. Academics became another source of frustration. Instead of engaging in lessons, he often withdrew into his own world, sketching or listening to music during class. His struggles did not go unnoticed—especially by one teacher who believed she could help.
The Teacher Who Tried to Help
Colleen Ritzer was one of the most beloved educators at Danvers High School. A dedicated math teacher, she had long dreamed of guiding students to success. With a degree in mathematics and a specialization in secondary education, she was committed to her profession. Her warm personality and willingness to assist students after hours made her a favorite among those she taught.
When Philip Chism enrolled at the school, Colleen quickly recognized that he was struggling. She reached out, offering extra support and encouragement, hoping to help him succeed. But unlike many of her other students, Philip remained unresponsive to her efforts.
October 22, 2013: A Day of Horror
On the morning of October 22, 2013, Philip Chism arrived at Danvers High School carrying several bags—each containing items that had nothing to do with his schoolwork. Among them were gloves, a change of clothes, a mask, and a box cutter.
Later that day, he attended Colleen Ritzer’s math class. At the end of the lesson, she approached him, complimenting his artwork and offering to stay after school to help him study for an upcoming test. Instead of gratitude, Philip Chism reacted with sudden anger, lashing out before storming away.
Unaware of the impending danger, Colleen later headed to the restroom around 3:00 PM. Philip followed her silently. As most of the school had emptied out, the halls were quiet. Wearing gloves and gripping the box cutter, he entered the restroom and attacked without warning. Covering her mouth to silence her, he overpowered and assaulted her before stabbing her at least sixteen times.
At one point, another student entered the restroom, unknowingly interrupting the brutal scene. She noticed Philip but assumed he was simply changing for practice. Without realizing the horror unfolding just feet away, she left without raising any alarm.
Covering Up a Crime
Philip Chism, now covered in blood, calmly exited the restroom. He kept his hood up, hiding his face as he made his way through the halls. Despite having just committed an unthinkable act, he greeted several classmates along the way—none of whom suspected a thing.
Determined to dispose of the evidence, Philip changed into a clean white t-shirt and red hoodie. He then retrieved a trash bin and reentered the restroom. This time, he emerged wearing a ski mask, dragging Colleen’s lifeless body inside the bin.
Navigating through the school, he pushed the container toward the elevator before heading outside. Once in a wooded area behind the building, he abandoned the body, leaving behind a crime that would shock an entire community.
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A Chilling Scene in the Woods
After carrying out his crime, Philip Chism wasn’t finished. He dragged Colleen Ritzer’s lifeless body into a wooded area behind Danvers High School. There, he desecrated her remains using a tree branch before covering her body with dry leaves. As if marking the scene, he left behind a cryptic note that read:
“I hate everyone. I was high on power.”
Despite what had just taken place, Philip calmly returned to the school, his slightly disheveled appearance the only indication that anything was amiss. But no one paid him any attention. Without drawing suspicion, he retrieved his belongings from his locker and left the premises, believing he had just committed the perfect crime.
The Search for Philip Chism Begins
Philip’s confidence in getting away with murder was short-lived. His mother, Diana Chism, became alarmed when he failed to come home that evening. Concerned, she went to the nearest police station and filed a missing person report. At the same time, Philip’s soccer teammates noticed his absence from practice and began searching for him, growing more worried by the minute.
Law enforcement immediately took action, working with Philip’s phone provider to track his last known location. The signal led them to Hollywood Hits Theater, where investigators discovered he had purchased a movie ticket before vanishing. Shortly after, his phone was turned off, leaving officers with more questions than answers.
At 9:00 PM, the Danvers High School principal sent an email to staff regarding Philip’s disappearance. Within minutes, a math teacher responded with a disturbing piece of information—Colleen Ritzer was also missing.
Two Disappearances Raise Alarms
Colleen Ritzer’s parents had already grown anxious when their daughter failed to return home. Their attempts to contact her had gone unanswered, and by 11:00 PM, they officially reported her missing.
With two people—one a student, the other a teacher—vanishing from the same school on the same day, investigators grew increasingly suspicious. They immediately headed to Danvers High School to begin their search.
Their first chilling discovery was Colleen’s car, still parked in the school lot. Inside the building, officers made their way to the second-floor bathroom—where they were met with a horrifying sight. Bloodstains covered the area, and Colleen’s purse lay abandoned nearby. A blood-smeared recycling bin sat ominously in the corner. Following the gruesome trail, authorities expanded their search to the wooded area behind the school.
There, they found blood-soaked clothing—clothing that unmistakably belonged to Colleen. The evidence was clear: something unspeakable had happened.
Witnesses Step Forward
As investigators worked tirelessly to piece together the crime, several students came forward with troubling observations. One student recalled overhearing a tense exchange between Philip Chism and Colleen earlier that day. Philip had been visibly upset, raising his voice while Colleen tried to calm him. The student assumed he was reacting to a question about his family—perhaps a sore topic due to his parents’ recent divorce. But no one imagined his anger would escalate into something so horrific.
Another student reported seeing Philip Chism completely naked in the bathroom that afternoon—a bizarre and unsettling sight. Meanwhile, a mother picking up her child at around 3:30 PM recalled seeing Philip leaving the school in a hurry.
The pieces of the puzzle were coming together. Now, detectives turned to the school’s surveillance cameras to confirm what had happened.
Unmasking the Killer: What the Footage Revealed
Security footage provided investigators with a disturbing timeline of the events leading up to Colleen Ritzer’s disappearance.
- 7:45 AM – Philip Chism arrives at school carrying multiple bags, which he places inside his locker.
- 2:54 PM – Colleen leaves her classroom and heads toward the second-floor women’s restroom.
- 2:55 PM – Philip appears in the hallway, watching her before briefly returning to the classroom.
- 2:56 PM – He reemerges, now with his hood up, and follows Colleen into the restroom while slipping on gloves.
- 3:06 PM – A female student enters the bathroom, only to rush out moments later.
- 3:07 PM – Philip exits, hood still up, and makes his way to the parking lot.
- 3:09 PM – He returns to the school, having changed into a white t-shirt.
- 3:16 PM – He reenters the bathroom, now carrying a large recycling bin.
- 3:22 PM – Wearing a ski mask, he is seen pushing the bin into the elevator.
- 3:30 PM – He drags the bin outside toward the student parking lot.
Later that evening, Philip Chism returned to the school once more. The surveillance captured him entering the bathroom, changing clothes yet again—this time, he was barefoot and wearing a black hoodie.
By the time investigators finished reviewing the footage, there was no doubt—Colleen had entered that bathroom, but she never came out.
The Crime Unfolds
With overwhelming evidence, authorities launched a manhunt for Philip Chism. What had started as a missing person case had now turned into a brutal homicide investigation.
As investigators retraced his steps, they knew it was only a matter of time before they found him. What they didn’t know was that Philip Chism had already left behind a trail of destruction—one that would shock the entire community.
A Disturbing Pattern Emerges
As investigators reviewed the mounting evidence, one fact became inescapable—Colleen Ritzer had been murdered, and Philip Chism was the only suspect. Surveillance footage from Danvers High School had captured him entering and exiting the restroom multiple times, each time wearing different clothing. The footage also showed him pushing a large recycling bin, which, combined with the blood evidence found in the bathroom, left no doubt about his involvement.
Law enforcement launched an urgent search for Philip Chism, who was still missing. They expanded their investigation beyond the school, analyzing footage from surrounding streets and businesses, hoping to track his movements after he left campus. Another critical lead came from Colleen Ritzer’s stolen wallet. Investigators closely monitored her bank account, suspecting that Philip might attempt to use her credit cards.
Their hunch proved correct. Transaction records showed purchases made with Colleen’s card—including a fast-food meal consisting of a burger, fries, and a drink. Additionally, another charge revealed that a movie ticket had been purchased for the film Gravity. When officers checked Philip’s phone data, it confirmed that he had been in the vicinity of the theater shortly after the attack. Moments later, his phone had been switched off.
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A Chance Encounter Leads to Philip’s Arrest
The frantic search for Philip took an unexpected turn when fate intervened. At approximately 2:30 AM on October 23, an officer patrolling a highway intersection near Route 1 North and Salem Road noticed a young man walking alone. His aimless movements and disoriented expression caught the officer’s attention.
Recognizing him from the missing person’s alert, the officer stopped and questioned him. It was Philip Chism.
A routine search revealed a horrifying discovery—Philip Chism was still carrying Colleen Ritzer’s credit card and driver’s license. Even more damning was the condition of his clothing. His pants bore visible bloodstains, a chilling reminder of what had transpired just hours earlier.
Without hesitation, the officer took him into custody and transported him to the local police station. When officers searched his belongings, the evidence they found left no room for doubt. Inside Philip’s backpack were Colleen’s purse, her underwear, and a blood-covered box cutter. Even more disturbing, forensic testing later revealed traces of both blood and semen on Philip’s own underwear.
Philip’s Chilling Confession
When questioned about the blood, Philip Chism showed no remorse. His response was disturbingly detached:
“It’s from the girl.”
His cold, emotionless demeanor sent a chill through the officers in the room. Without hesitation, he even provided details of where to find Colleen’s body.
At around 3:00 AM, a team of officers arrived at the wooded area behind Danvers High School, following Philip’s directions. The search initially yielded nothing unusual. But as they were about to move on, an officer noticed something small protruding from a pile of leaves. It was a thumb, the nail painted pink.
When they lifted the debris, the true horror was revealed.
The Discovery of Colleen Ritzer
Beneath the scattered leaves lay the lifeless body of Colleen Ritzer. Her throat had been brutally slashed, and a tree branch had been used to desecrate her remains. Her injuries bore the unmistakable signs of extreme violence, her face and body covered in wounds that spoke of a terrifying struggle.
Nearby, investigators found a pair of white gloves drenched in blood. Next to them, a handwritten note bore a haunting message:
“I hate everyone.”
Colleen’s body was quickly transported for forensic examination. The autopsy confirmed the brutality of the attack—sixteen stab wounds, signs of severe trauma, and evidence of sexual assault. The case against Philip Chism was now undeniable.
Legal Consequences and Public Reaction
Following the grim discovery, Philip Chism was charged with aggravated assault, armed robbery, and first-degree murder. He was immediately held without bail.
As the legal process unfolded, Philip’s family reacted in different ways. His mother, Diana Chism, was visibly distraught when police visited her at the apartment where she and Philip had been living since moving from Tennessee. She admitted that the divorce had been difficult for her son and later issued a statement through his attorney, expressing her condolences to Colleen’s family.
Philip’s uncle, however, took a defensive stance. He suggested that something must have provoked Philip Chism, arguing that teenagers often experience intense emotions. He described his nephew as a “storybook child” from a “perfect family,” appearing to downplay the severity of the crime.
Others who had known Philip Chism struggled to comprehend what had happened. His former soccer coach expressed disbelief, stating that he wanted to “hear the full story” before forming an opinion. Similarly, classmates who had interacted with Philip Chism never imagined he was capable of such an act.
One student, Raily Doyle, openly shared her heartbreak over Colleen’s death. She described her as a kind, compassionate teacher who always went the extra mile for her students.
A Community in Mourning
On October 28, 2013, the town of Andover, Massachusetts, gathered to honor Colleen Ritzer’s memory. A funeral service was held at St. Augustine Church, where nearly 1,000 mourners came to pay their respects. Among them were 400 of her students from Danvers High School.
As a tribute to Colleen, many attendees wore pink—her favorite color. Outside the church, pink flowers decorated the entrance, symbolizing the love and admiration she had inspired.
During the service, Gina McDaniel, Colleen’s cousin, spoke about the profound impact she had on those around her. She described how, in her short life, Colleen had left an indelible mark on the world of education. She had been more than just a teacher—she had been a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of hope for her students.
Her unwavering love for her family and her dedication to shaping young minds would not be forgotten.
A Community in Mourning
As family, friends, students, and colleagues gathered at St. Augustine Church, the weight of Colleen Ritzer’s loss was palpable. A beloved teacher, mentor, and friend, her absence left a void that could never be filled.
With emotion in her voice, Colleen’s cousin, Gina McDaniel, spoke about the incredible person she was—kind, compassionate, and dedicated to shaping young minds. “She was the kind of person every parent hopes their child will grow up to be,” she said, her words bringing many in attendance to tears.
Reverend Peter Gregory, delivering a heartfelt eulogy, urged mourners to remember Colleen for the light she brought into the world rather than the tragic way her life ended. His message resonated deeply, encouraging the grieving community to focus on her impact rather than her loss.
But while Andover, Massachusetts, honored Colleen’s memory, the legal system prepared to bring her killer to justice.
A Second Act of Violence
While awaiting trial for Colleen’s murder, Philip Chism was being held at a juvenile detention center in Boston. Months after his arrest, he committed yet another violent act.
On June 2, 2014, Philip Chism launched a brutal attack on a 29-year-old medical worker inside the facility. He followed her into the staff locker room, cornered her in the bathroom, and attempted to strangle her to death. His rage was terrifying—he screamed, “I’m going to kill all of you!” as multiple employees rushed in to subdue him. Though they managed to stop him in time, his victim suffered severe injuries, and another case was opened against him.
Yet, before he could face trial for this assault, he still had to stand before a jury for the murder of Colleen Ritzer.
The Trial: A Fight Between Insanity and Premeditation
Philip’s defense team did not deny that he had killed Colleen. Instead, his attorney argued that he should not be held criminally responsible, claiming he was suffering from a severe mental illness at the time of the attack. She alleged that he had been experiencing a psychotic episode, hearing voices that drove him to commit the crime.
The prosecution, however, firmly rejected this claim.
The state presented surveillance footage from Danvers High School, which told a different story—a calculated and methodical act, not one of psychosis. The footage showed Philip Chism stalking Colleen, preparing for his attack, and covering up the crime afterward. Even more damning, after the murder, he had casually interacted with classmates, purchased a meal, and watched a movie—all while carrying evidence of his crime in his backpack.
With this overwhelming proof, the court dismissed the defense’s plea for criminal insanity. Given that Philip Chism was 14 at the time of the crime—the minimum age for adult prosecution in the United States—he was deemed fit to stand trial as an adult.
On December 15, 2015, the jury delivered its verdict: guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and armed robbery.
A Sentence Without Redemption
As the judge read the verdict, Philip Chism remained emotionless, his hands cuffed, his face betraying no remorse.
Colleen’s mother, heartbroken by his lack of reaction, made a powerful statement:
“Our family will never get a second chance with Colleen, and he shouldn’t get one either.”
Philip Chism was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with no chance of parole until he turned 54. But his time in the courtroom wasn’t over.
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A Decade Later: Facing Justice Again
A decade after Colleen’s murder, on April 26, 2024, Philip Chism stood trial once more—this time for the attempted murder of the medical worker he had attacked in juvenile detention.
The courtroom was filled with tension. His attorney stated that Philip Chism wished to “take full responsibility and resolve the matter swiftly.” But to those present, his words rang hollow—there was no true remorse in his demeanor.
His victim, now ready to face him, took the stand and described her near-death experience. With unwavering resolve, she called him “a monster and a remorseless killer.” She recounted the terrifying moments of the attack and admitted that, to this day, his face still haunted her.
“He brutalized me with the clear intent to take my life,” she said, her voice steady. She pleaded with the court to ensure that Philip remained behind bars for life so that no one else would suffer at his hands.
The judge agreed. Philip was sentenced to an additional 17 to 20 years for the attack, to be served concurrently with his existing sentence.
A Legacy That Lives On
Despite their grief, Colleen Ritzer’s family chose to honor her memory rather than dwell on her tragic end. One year after her murder, they established the Colleen Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, ensuring that her dedication to education would continue to impact future generations.
In a public statement, the Ritzers described Colleen as a compassionate and inspiring teacher who had devoted her life to helping others. Many students who have received the scholarship have since pursued careers in education, following in Colleen’s footsteps and carrying forward her passion for teaching.
Her influence lives on in the classrooms of tomorrow, in the hearts of her former students, and in the countless lives she touched.
Though she is gone, Colleen Ritzer’s legacy will never fade.
