Court docs: Note found next to Danvers math teacher's body

DANVERS, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Court documents released Friday in the murder of Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer revealed gruesome new details about the 24-year-old's death.

Investigators claim they found a note reading "I hate you all," next to the Andover native's body behind the high school.

Philip Chism, 14, is accused of attacking Ritzer with a box cutter, slitting her throat and stealing her credit cards, iPhone, and underwear on Oct. 22.

Northeastern University Criminologist James Allen Fox believes that the crime was premeditated.

"Given the character of this crime and the apparent planning. It doesn't seem to be spontaneous," Fox said.

Authorities say the teen brought the box cutter, as well as a mask, gloves, and multiple changes of clothes to school.

An unidentified student who stayed after school for extra help reported overhearing Ritzer talking about Tennessee with Chism prior to her death. The student said Ritzer stopped talking after she noticed Chism became upset and he appeared to be talking to himself. Chism recently moved to Massachusetts from Clarksville, Tenn. while his parents were going through a divorce.

According to the account by police, Chism entered the same bathroom as Ritzer at 2:54 p.m. with the hood of his sweatshirt up and gloves on. They claim he put the mask on as he carried her body in a recycling bin toward the school's elevator.

The teen reportedly told police blood found on the box cutter in his backpack came from "the girl" when he was picked up in the hours after the slaying. When investigators found Ritzer's credit cards and driver's license in Chism's possession, he told them he found them at a supermarket and later said he got them out of her car.

The 14-year-old soccer player was indicted by an Essex County Grand Jury Thursday on charges that include murder, aggravated rape, and armed robbery.

A medical examiner ruled the manner of Ritzer's death as a homicide. The exact cause has yet to be determined.

Blood in the school's second-floor bathroom helped lead investigators to Ritzer's body, which was dumped in the woods behind the school. Police picked up Chism as he walked along Route 1 in neighboring Topsfield early the next morning.

Chism is scheduled to be arraigned Dec. 4 on the upgraded charges. He had previously pleaded not guilty to a murder charge and is being held without bail.

Cox Media Group