GUILTY MA - Colleen Ritzer, 24, brutally murdered, Danvers, 22 Oct 2013 #1

[jacct]

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 3m3 minutes ago
Next witness is Emily Roach, Danvers HS student.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 3m3 minutes ago
Roach is 17. Turns 18 next week.

Julie Manganis ‏@SNJulieManganis 3m3 minutes ago
Her name is Emily and she was a sophomore at the time of the murder. She ran cross country back then.

Laurel J. SweetVerified account ‏@Laurel_Sweet 2m2 minutes ago
Per order of court, no minor witnesses may be photographed

allison manningVerified account ‏@allymanning 1m1 minute ago
On day of the murder, she was injured (shin splits) so she was sitting on picnic table doing homework.

allison manningVerified account ‏@allymanning 41s42 seconds ago
She saw someone she didn't recognize with a recycling bin going into the woods. He was struggling with it.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 53s53 seconds ago
Roach: I saw him, not too far into the woods, 10 meters into the woods, I stopped watching.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Roach is done on stand.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
No questions from defense to minor female juror. Another minor female will now take stand

 

[atthelake]

I can't give either one of them a pass on this. From the discription of the bathroom, I think I would be on the phone with 911 omw to my boss.
As for the boss, he should have went to inspect before doing anything. Also what the demeanor of the janitor when he informed him. IMO I would be flipping out seeing so much blood there.
MAJOR ball drop to all parties.

Sent from my LGMS345 using Tapatalk

To be honest ..the first thought that I had when he was on the stand what is he an illegal .. As I just can't wrap my arms around why they didn't have an English speaking supervisor on the staff for the people that were hired on contract .

 

[atthelake]

seems he made little to no effort to try to get away with crime once he had taken her body to the woods, he left his school ID in the woods near her body along with his backpack, odd that he went to all the trouble to take her body outside and then leave his ID behind, he could have easily left her in bathroom, I do think he has mental health issues, but am unsure if they mean he was insane at time of crime,

If I recall correctly they said psychotic disease on opening... the defense and the prosecution and the court has said he is not insane

HTH

 

[jacct]

allison manningVerified account ‏@allymanning 2m2 minutes ago
That's all for Emily. Now Autumn, the girl who was in the classroom with Ritzer and #PhilipChism after school before the murder.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani is 16. DHS student. Junior. On day of homicide, she was freshman. Colleen Ritzer was her math teacher.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 52s52 seconds ago
On Oct 22, Ciani was supposed to stay after for extra help with Ms. Ritzer. Instead, drew on board and talked to her.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani: It was me, Colleen, and Chism in the class until 2:30PM.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani Ritzer and Chism were talking. I was standing at white board closest to the door.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 59s59 seconds ago
Shows jurors with laser pointer in pic on courtroom screen where she was and where #PhilipChism was in classroom

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani I was drawing flowers on the white board. Miss Ritzer was seated at her desk. Chism was sitting front row desk.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 54s55 seconds ago
Ciani: Ritzer and Chism talking about where their families were from.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 48s49 seconds ago
Ciani: Chism said he was from somewhere else. Ritzer said that was nice. Ritzer was nice about it.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani He wasn't very happy. Like he didn't want to be there. He was mumbling. But he was answering her.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani They talked about different places they've been, and where been w/family. Ms Ritzer talking most.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani He didn't want to be there. He was annoyed.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani Convo ended when Ritzer went to copy papers. She said she had to leave for a minute.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani: Just me and Chism now in class. He came over and stood next to me.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Ciani: I had to look up to talk to him. He was taller than me. I was about five foot. We were talking about drawing.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 2m2 minutes ago
#PhilipChism wrote her name in Chinese. She doesn't know Chinese but she told him how to spell her name

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
Ritzer came back to classroom. Said she was going to be leaving soon

 

[atthelake]

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 49s50 seconds ago
#PhilipChism mom had her head down with her left hand on forehead now. The woman sitting next to her is trying to comfort her

Rupa Shenoy ‏@RupaShenoy 1m1 minute ago Salem, MA
When defense asks King to describe position of legs, prosecutors ask for sidebar.

Laura Crimaldi ‏@lauracrimaldi 1m1 minute ago
Osler has King look at photograph of area where Colleen Ritzer's body was found after her body had been removed.

Laurel J. SweetVerified account ‏@Laurel_Sweet 2m2 minutes ago
Defense attorney John Osler now shows King, and King only, a photo of blood pooled under Ritzer when her body was rolled over.

Laura Crimaldi ‏@lauracrimaldi 2m2 minutes ago
King: "There is blood underneath the body. It's on a lot of debris around the body."

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Osler: you noticed tree branch w/blood near her privatesKing : that's right

Laurel J. SweetVerified account ‏@Laurel_Sweet 1m1 minute ago
Peggie Ritzer looks as though she's willing herself not to faint.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 2m2 minutes ago
King: Screened for blood and it was positive on that stick.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 2m2 minutes ago
osler: you test for human blood. can you test for semen?king: yes we can.

allison manningVerified account ‏@allymanning 2m2 minutes ago
Osler asking about tree branch with blood, positioned near her genitals. And Osler is done. So is King.

So much blood under the body? Why? If she was dead already before she was taken out I would not have thought so much blood and pooling under the body.

 

[jacct]

Laurel J. SweetVerified account ‏@Laurel_Sweet 2m2 minutes ago
When Ritzer returned to tell them she'd need to leave soon, #PhilipChism sat back down.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 45s45 seconds ago
Her and Ritzer left at same time. #PhilipChism did not.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
She says she was telling Ritzer she was a great person and how she made math easy. #PhilipChism looked annoyed and angry

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
She and Ritzer left together. She thinks she had a purse and jacket with her but not exactly sure

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
Girl says she left. She went downstairs. She never went back to Ritzer classroom

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 2m2 minutes ago
Direct of Ciani is done. Denise Regan will cross.

 

[jacct]

Julie Manganis ‏@SNJulieManganis 1m1 minute ago
Regan asks if #philipchism told her he visited China as a child. That brings an objection.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 3m3 minutes ago
Attorneys go to sidebar with Lowy

Julie Manganis ‏@SNJulieManganis 1m1 minute ago
Court is going to recess for the day.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 2m2 minutes ago
Ciani is done for day. Will be back in AM. Judge is recessing jury for the day. Back at 9AM.

 

[AnaTeresa]

Any idea about the visiting China remark? I can't remember that detail from the case.

 

[Jinkasaurus]

I am somewhat not surprised that the live feed got pulled. When I was watching the video from yesterday, last night, I noticed that when the camera was aimed at the witness box, the very left edge of the frame was the edge of the jury box.

I was surprised at how close the jury box was to where the camera was, and thought to myself, the camera guy must be nervous when he zooms in and out, because it would be so easy to accidentally catch the jury in the frame.

I did see two pairs of jurors' shoes in the frame at least twice- and I found myself wondering if that was a violation.

If they bring the camera back, I think they need to find a better location for it.

 

[jacct]

Any idea about the visiting China remark? I can't remember that detail from the case.

I've never heard that detail either. Interesting that the question was asked and an immediate sidebar was held. This could be part of the defense insanity defense, Chism was psychotic and thought he had been to China? We'll have to wait to find out what that question is about.

 

[jacct]

I am somewhat not surprised that the live feed got pulled. When I was watching the video from yesterday, last night, I noticed that when the camera was aimed at the witness box, the very left edge of the frame was the edge of the jury box.

I was surprised at how close the jury box was to where the camera was, and thought to myself, the camera guy must be nervous when he zooms in and out, because it would be so easy to accidentally catch the jury in the frame.

I did see two pairs of jurors' shoes in the frame at least twice- and I found myself wondering if that was a violation.

If they bring the camera back, I think they need to find a better location for it.

And if the cameras are allowed again they need to shut off the sound during breaks, I don't think we should be listening to attorney's talking about the trial when they think the sound is off.

 

[AnaTeresa]

I've never heard that detail either. Interesting that the question was asked and an immediate sidebar was held. This could be part of the defense insanity defense, Chism was psychotic and thought he had been to China? We'll have to wait to find out what that question is about.

That was my thought with the immediate sidebar, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't forgetting something about the case. I would guess it has to do with the insanity defense, too.

 

[atthelake]

Dan HausleVerified account ‏@dhausleon7 1m1 minute ago
Forensic expert done. Next witness in #PhilipChism trial. Nicholas Henderson, paramedic

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 51s52 seconds ago
Henderson called to DHS at 3 am, morning after murder, Henderson was called into woods

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Henderson: I asked which end would head be in this pile of leaves?

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Henderson: We started moving leaves, moved slowly.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 2m2 minutes ago
Moved leaves and identified her forehead, eyes open but she was not responsive, airway had dirt and leaves blocking it

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 3m3 minutes ago
Henderson Saw the massive neck wound. Used stethoscope to listen to her heart. Checked jaw movement. There was rigor.

Laura Crimaldi ‏@lauracrimaldi 2m2 minutes ago
Henderson describes pronouncing Colleen Ritzer dead in woods. "She was not viable." No cross examination.

Airway had leaves blocking it... from the amount of blood in the woods and from this I am thinking she was still alive when she was thrown in the woods

 

[Jinkasaurus]

I do hope the judge allows the camera back though!!!

 

[NotMyselfNEMore]

And if the cameras are allowed again they need to shut off the sound during breaks, I don't think we should be listening to attorney's talking about the trial when they think the sound is off.

You are right, the cameraperson should know better. Given the errors they've made, it was probably a good thing they weren't allowed to have a live feed today. With disturbing crime scene photos, and minor witnesses on the stand, another 'error' could have been very bad.

As much a I would like to see it live, the media needs to follow the court rules, for everyone's sake. I hope they get it together enough to have a camera back tomorrow, and can do it properly.

Thanks again for all the tweets, Jacct!

 

[jacct]

Airway had leaves blocking it... from the amount of blood in the woods and from this I am thinking she was still alive when she was thrown in the woods

OMG, that never occurred to me. I hope that's not the case, we'll find out when they discuss the autopsy.

 

[atthelake]

I do hope the judge allows the camera back though!!!

At least audio !

 

[Skigirl]

Thank you for making this a bit clearer for me.

Regarding the sentence I bolded - but could a legally insane person still understand that they will end up in prison if found out and therefore hide the crime - not because they feel guilt and understand that it was wrong what they did?

Nope. They are not insane under the definition of insanity that would allow them to be found not guilty if they show any understanding that their actions would be punishable. Just not feeling guilt or remorse is not enough.

 

[Skigirl]

This case is pretty sickening. Cases like this ought to serve as just more proof that there should be no age threshold for separating youth crime from adult crime, when it comes to serious criminal cases involving death or serious injury of victims. Every violent criminal should be tried "as an adult". Only petty crime, like theft, fraud, drug-related or minor scuffles, etc - should allow for this age discrimination, so as to give youngster's a chance to rehabilitate their long lives ahead. But serious criminal cases involving death and injury should be given no second chances, as these cases serve to expose a damaged individual that is likely incapable of change (nor do they deserve such second changes from a punitive perspective).

With regards to this case, the defense's argument of mental illness is weak. There is clear planning and forethought. He was hooded up, brought weapons and was wearing gloves - this shows intent to cover his tracks and evade capture. These are logical thoughts and indicates he knew right from wrong and was of sound mind.

I also believe this suspect would have committed more crime had he not been caught. He is a budding criminal, seemingly 'natural born' and wired to be such, who was luckily stopped in his tracks.

He appears to show no remorse and devoid of emotions, which compounded with his deranged crime, suggests he's pretty high up there on the PCL-E psychopathy scale.

IMO he should spend the rest of his natural days locked up in a cell.

I agree that it's appropriate for Chism to be tried as an adult, but I vehemently disagree that all children should be eligible to be tried as an adult for any violent crime. Children have undeveloped brains -- particularly their frontal lobes -- that make it much more difficult for them to control impulses and think through the consequences of their actions. They are treated differently because they are different. Although they can be taught right from wrong, they are not adults and should not be tried as adults, except in certain situations, like this one, where the question is not one of controlling ones' impulses (this crime was not impulsive, but was rather premeditated). We make all sorts of allowances for children in our society in the recognition that they are not the same as adults, and I think it is appropriate to do so in the criminal justice system as well.

 

[Skigirl]

I would settle for audio ...I really want hear the follow-up versus the translation and tweets by the media !! ullhair:

I don't know why the judge can't allow it to be filmed and require that the film be edited before it's released...