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

[jacct]

Did anyone else text before this morning that the jurors were on video yesterday?

Prior to this morning nothing had been tweeted about it, or about the close up of the prosecution table and their notes. But someone in court knew about it since the judge talked to the 2 jurors yesterday at the end of the court day.

I'm waiting to find out what they talked to the female juror about today. Please don't let it be another incident with the press.

 

[KristiDFW]

I will give him more of a pass than I do for the person that he reported it to as his supervisor?

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

 

[Elainera]

I agree - the cleaning service guy at least paused, and went to inform the building supervisor (or whatever Danny and Chuck were) to let him know there's a situation - so he hands him a hose? Really?
Anything that was all over that bathroom and needed to be hosed down, wouldn't that warrant a look? Even if he thought it was 'blue'. Ridiculous, IMO

I believe no one knew yet that the teacher was even missing, let alone murdered. Not that it's any excuse. The bathroom is covered in blood, get up a check what's up, don't just hand him a hose, and a key for the spigot - go see why he felt the need to tell you.

Yes I agree. The Spanish speaking cleaner probably felt terrible later on. He did try to communicate his concerns and was misunderstood.

 

[jacct]

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 46s47 seconds ago
#PhilipChism is back in court. Jurors are coming in.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
ADA asking about Colleen Ritzer body being uncovered in the woods. She was naked from waist down, blood on body

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
King tested a stick positioned near Ritzer vaginal area and collected a hair found

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 56s56 seconds ago
She collected evidence from her body, collected evidence and readied it for transport to crime lab

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
Near her body was 2 white gloves, 2 black socks, piece of paper King says

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 42s43 seconds ago
Other "red brown" stains in the area

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 41s42 seconds ago
King identifying photo of area next to Colleen's body

Laura Crimaldi ‏@lauracrimaldi 49s50 seconds ago
King says there were red brown stains on Ritzer's face and torso. A stick was found with red brown stains on it.

allison manningVerified account ‏@allymanning 50s51 seconds ago
They found other items near body: white gloves, black socks, pieces of paper.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 2m2 minutes ago
Pic shows white glove covered in blood

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 2m2 minutes ago
Pic of second glove now. This glove appears to have bloody edges. Might be inside out

Laura Crimaldi ‏@lauracrimaldi 27s27 seconds ago
To document evidence, King says she sketches or diagrams the area and the contents found within

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 2m2 minutes ago
Next photo shows a piece of crumpled paper found near Ritzer body

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 32s33 seconds ago
Jurors are now viewing a diagram King drew of wooded area where Ritzer body was found

 

[Hope4More]

I followed this as a news story, before trial, and haven't read up since trial began. The last few pages of posts sound worrisome. Please tell me that the investigation etc. wasn't compromised enough to allow her killer to walk?

 

[NotMyselfNEMore]

Yes I agree. The Spanish speaking cleaner probably felt terrible later on. He did try to communicate his concerns and was misunderstood.

Anything that needed to be hosed down, even if it was well what one would expect to find in a bathroom, let alone if he really thought it was 'blue' (really?!) - c'mon Chuck and/or Danny - get up and take a look, make sure a pipe didn't burst, or something. Whatever the language barrier, it warranted a look! Awful, IMO

 

[AnaTeresa]

I followed this as a news story, before trial, and haven't read up since trial began. The last few pages of posts sound worrisome. Please tell me that the investigation etc. wasn't compromised enough to allow her killer to walk?

I doubt it. It's normal for the prosecutors to walk through every little detail; it's also normal for the defense to try to call into question forensic evidence or crime lab procedures. Given the significant amount of evidence in this case, the defense is unlikely to get anywhere with this argument - they do have to raise it though, or Chism could raise the issue of ineffective assistance of counsel on appeal. :twocents:

 

[jacct]

Laura Crimaldi ‏@lauracrimaldi 1m1 minute ago
"I have you all," reads the note. It's writeen in blue ink. #PhilipChism looks at note as it is displayed on projector.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 51s52 seconds ago
They are now looking at pic of black sock found in the woods

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
A new photo shows Philip Chism's ID that was found in the woods

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
ADA MacDougall asking King about "red brown" stains found on a backpack

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 2m2 minutes ago
King said backpack belonged to Philip Chism.

Julie Manganis ‏@SNJulieManganis 41s41 seconds ago
Witness King dins gloves to show jurors the actual backpack found in woods. It is stained with blood.

Julie Manganis ‏@SNJulieManganis 1m1 minute ago
Now jury is seeing the bloody white glove.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 43s43 seconds ago
King is now looking at a black sock taken from woods, there are stains on the sock

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 56s56 seconds ago
King now looks at and IDs the other black sock found

 

[jacct]

I followed this as a news story, before trial, and haven't read up since trial began. The last few pages of posts sound worrisome. Please tell me that the investigation etc. wasn't compromised enough to allow her killer to walk?

Defense has already admitted in opening statements that Chism murdered Ritzer. The verdict will depend on what evidence they provide to prove Chism was insane beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

[Hope4More]

I doubt it. It's normal for the prosecutors to walk through every little detail; it's also normal for the defense to try to call into question forensic evidence or crime lab procedures. Given the significant amount of evidence in this case, the defense is unlikely to get anywhere with this argument - they do have to raise it though, or Chism could raise the issue of ineffective assistance of counsel on appeal. :twocents:

Thanks. I'll go back and start at the beginning then. Just putting a toe in first, not up right now for diving into a trial with a high likelihood to end very badly.

 

[joe jones]

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,

 

[jacct]

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 3m3 minutes ago
Jurors are again looking at King diagram of crime scene in woods

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 3m3 minutes ago
Using laser pointer, she shows jurors where recycling bin, sneakers etc were found

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 2m2 minutes ago
King also did a second diagram in woods to show where she retrieved evidence, another view

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 31s32 seconds ago
King identifying another diagram she drew showing the school, the big rocks, the recycling barrel, clothing in woods.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
Underpants, red sweatshirt and tshirt were found in woods King says

Laurel J. SweetVerified account ‏@Laurel_Sweet 1m1 minute ago
In day's only light moment, prosecutor Kate MacDougall asks King if she went into the pricker bush to collect more evidence.#

Laurel J. SweetVerified account ‏@Laurel_Sweet 1m1 minute ago
"No," King replies with a smile, "my trainee did."

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 3m3 minutes ago
King now holding up a red zipper sweatshirt with white stripes down the sleeves that was found in woods

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 3m3 minutes ago
She is now looking at white Tshirt found

allison manningVerified account ‏@allymanning 2m2 minutes ago
King is showing off the items, including white men's boxer briefs, stained with red and brown.

allison manningVerified account ‏@allymanning 1m1 minute ago
Now holding up black pants -- like the ones Colleen Ritzer was wearing that day. Peggie Ritzer struggles to compose herself.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 53s54 seconds ago
King is now holding up what appears to be a pair of blue jeans covered in blood

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 1m1 minute ago
#PhilipChism was wearing blue jeans the day Colleen Ritzer was murdered

 

[drjones]

I followed this as a news story, before trial, and haven't read up since trial began. The last few pages of posts sound worrisome. Please tell me that the investigation etc. wasn't compromised enough to allow her killer to walk?

no chance, the defense admitted on opening that he raped and killed her, which makes it very confusing why they are challenging some of the prosecution witnesses at all.

 

[Elainera]

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,

Just jumping off your post ...

I don't get the feeling at all that he tried to hide his crime. His initial caution (the gloves and the hood) seems to have mostly evaporated once he had killed her. I guess his emotions took over - he seems driven to me, as if all he then wanted was to stage her in that particular way to fulfill whatever pathological need drove him to do that. He didn't avoid the cameras.

He also immediately confessed when asked who's blood it was on the box cutter.

 

[jacct]

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 2m2 minutes ago
Direct of King is done. Cross by Osler now

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 2m2 minutes ago
John Osler starts by asking her what she does when she arrives at crime scene

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
Osler: Damage to neck was so deep it exposed internal structure?King: Correct.

Julie Manganis ‏@SNJulieManganis 1m1 minute ago
Osler asking about the wounds. They were deep cuts. He seems to be questioning her work.

Bob Ward Fox25Verified account ‏@Bward3 1m1 minute ago
King: Colleen's head was tilted to the left.

Christina Hager ‏@HagerWBZ 2m2 minutes ago
Philip Chism's mother's head down, comforted by friends next to her, as defense atty questions criminologist about Ritzer's murdered body.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 2m2 minutes ago
Defense asking King about blood she found in the woods near Ritzer body

Julie Manganis ‏@SNJulieManganis 1m1 minute ago
As his lawyer questions the witness about injuries #PhilipChism is listening.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 3m3 minutes ago
Osler questioning her about blood stain on leaves. Crime scene photo up on projection screen

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 2m2 minutes ago
Osler shows King a pic of Ritzer body with her face exposed in woods

Laurel J. SweetVerified account ‏@Laurel_Sweet 53s54 seconds ago
King is shown a photo of Ritzer, her face exposed in the leaves. It is mercifully not shown to court.

Julie Manganis ‏@SNJulieManganis 1m1 minute ago
There is a red brown stain on the tree near where King's trainee first spotted Ritzer's toe.

Jill Harmacinski ‏@EagleTribJill 43s44 seconds ago
King, to Osler questions, can't immed remember how much blood was near Ritzer body

 

[joe jones]

no chance, the defense admitted on opening that he raped and killed her, which makes it very confusing why they are challenging some of the prosecution witnesses at all.

I too am confused as to why defence seems intent on chipping away at the evidence having admitted he did it

 

[jacct]

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.

 

[AnaTeresa]

I too am confused as to why defence seems intent on chipping away at the evidence having admitted he did it

Statements made during opening statements are not evidence and cannot be relied upon by the jury when determining whether to find a defendant guilty or not guilty. So, for each and every charge, the State has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt every element of the offense the defendant has been charged with. That it was him, that it occurred when and where they said it did, whether the intent was there, etc. etc.

If the state fails to prove every element of an offense charged, the Defense can then file what is called a Rule 29 motion, which requests the court acquit the defendant and dismiss the charge(s) for failing to prove sufficient evidence to sustain a conviction. This may be filed at the end of the State's case, at the end of the Defendant's case, and after a jury verdict within a very short period of time (usually 14 days). These motions are not often granted - it's a lower bar than "beyond a reasonable doubt," it must merely be "sufficient." But it's an integral part of defense work. Even if your client is guilty, that doesn't mean you sit back and say oh well. The State must still conduct itself at the level our laws require and prove each of the charges brought.

 

[jacct]

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.

 

[atthelake]

I think this crew was a legit crime scene clean up crew that came later. Those were not janitors.

"Next witness: Thomas McNally - does crime scene clean up."

"Goes to crime scenes and disaster, rectify situation and return to natural state, McNally said"

Thank you for that explanation I am going through on tapatalk and tweets. Still ...I would think that they would keep the cleaning materials/ equipment as evidence... but what do I know pfft