Teen can face trial on murder charge: Massachusetts judge

A teenager accused of raping and killing a Danvers teacher has been deemed competent to stand trial.

Court proceedings in the case of 16-year-old Philip Chism are set to continue Wednesday.

Lowy estimated that opening statements could be November 16 or earlier.

Ritzer’s body was found in nearby woods, naked from the waist down and with her throat slit and a note that read, “I hate you all”. Chism appeared to stare down at his hands as Lowy announced his conclusions after reading a report prepared by mental health experts.

Lowy also denied a motion Wednesday by Chism’s lawyers to change the trial venue.

Halted: Jury selection in Chism’s trial was suspended in mid-October after defense attorneys raised the competency question.

Defense attorneys revealed that Dr. Richard Dudley Jr.is a key witness who will testify that Chism lacks criminal responsibility for the crime.

Prior to discovering Ritzer’s body, investigators found blood in a second floor bathroom of the high school, the D.A. said.

Prosecutors are expected to show the jury school surveillance video in which they say Chism is seen following Ritzer into a school bathroom, wearing gloves and a hood, then walking out of the bathroom alone 12 minutes later.

Authorities said she was sexually assaulted twice, once with a tree branch.

The judge ruled Chism was competent after reviewing a 67-page report from the teen’s mental evaluation.