Episode 32: She Stayed To Help; He Stayed To Murder: The Colleen Ritzer Case

In October of 2013, a Massachusetts community was devastated when 24 year old high school teacher, Colleen Ritzer, was found murdered behind her school. The killer? A 14 year old student named Philip Chism. 

The episode explores the chilling timeline of events, the evidence captured on surveillance footage, the swift and shocking arrest, and the courtroom drama that followed. 

Colleen Ritzer was more than a teacher-she was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. Passionate about education, she went above and beyond to help her students thrive. Her legacy lives on through countless lives she touched, her radiant smile, and her beautiful heart. 

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including information on BBC:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-24657401

Articles from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2013/10/23/us/massachusetts-colleen-ritzer-profile

https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/22/justice/massachusetts-danvers-school-killing

An article from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/teen-suspect-murder-teacher-colleen-ritzer-left-hate-note-documents-flna2d11641586

An article from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/philip-chism-appeal-murder-trial-sentence-colleen-ritzer/

The Massachusetts Government Website:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/colleen-e-ritzer

Photos include: Two photos of Colleen Ritzer, Bottom left photo is the student who murdered her, Philip Chism