Crime & Safety

Mother of Teen Murder Suspect Heartbroken and Struggling to Understand

Diana Chism says "her heart is broken" for the family of Colleen Ritzer and she is struggling to understand how this happened.

The mother of the teen accused of murdering his math teacher at Danvers High last week has released a public statement, saying her heart is broken for the victim's family as she is struggling to understand how this all happened.

Colleen Ritzer, 24, of Andover, was killed Oct. 22 allegedly by 14-year-old Philip Chism, one of her algebra students who had recently moved to Danvers.

The statement from Diana Chism was released over the weekend by attorney Denise Regan, who is defending Philip Chism on a charge of first-degree murder.

Regan said in the statement that "two families were unexpectedly and inconceivably changed forever. Ms. Chism’s heart is broken for the Ritzer family and the loss of their daughter and sister Colleen Ritzer."

"Ms. Chism would like you to know that her son was born in love and is dear to her, very dear. She is struggling to understand this and respectfully asks for some time to process this," said Regan.

"She asks that you know that she cares for the world’s hurt over this and greatly hopes for your prayers for the Ritzer family, the Danvers community, for her son, and all those affected by this tragedy," the statement concluded.


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