Judge Denies Request to Unseal Documents in Danvers Murder Case

Salem District Court Judge Michael Lauranzano has denied requests to unseal documents related to a search warrant in the murder case against Philip Chism.

Chism, a 14-year-old Danvers High student, is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of his math teacher Colleen Ritzer.

News reports Friday afternoon say Lauranzano rejected the appeals by several news organizations to overturn his original impoundment order, as well as an offer by the district attorney's office earlier this week to release redacted versions of the documents.

The material not only includes the results of the search warrant, but also motions for why it was requested.

Prosecutors reiterated on Monday that the documents contained the names of juvenile witnesses yet to testify before a grand jury and that full immediate disclosure of the material could invade the Ritzers' privacy as well as jeopardize Chism's right to a fair trial.

Lauranzano, on Friday, reportedly agreed with those arguments expressed in court earlier this week and did not wish to release even redacted versions of the material.

The documents will now remain sealed for the duration of the grand jury hearing, which is expected to conclude Nov. 22. If the jury does indict Chism, the case will be moved to superior court and he will tried as an adult.