True Crime with Kendall Rae: Beloved Teacher Murdered by Her Student in School Bathroom: The Case of Colleen Ritzer
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Host: Kendall Rae
Produced by: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios
Introduction
In this poignant episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae, Kendall delves into the harrowing case of Colleen Ritzer, a 24-year-old math teacher whose life was brutally taken by her student, Philip Chisholm, in a school bathroom. Despite the gravity of the case, Colleen's murder received minimal media coverage, a stark contrast to Kendall's empathetic approach to true crime storytelling aimed at honoring victims and their families.
Background on Colleen Ritzer
Colleen Ritzer was born on May 13, 1989, to Peggy and Tom Ritzer. She was the eldest sibling, cherishing her role as a big sister to her brothers, Dan and Laura. From a young age, Colleen exhibited a "kind, thoughtful, and caring personality", earning her the title of "best helper in her class" as early as kindergarten.
"Colleen's family has shared some home videos of her as a child and as a baby. And, oh my God, it just broke my heart to see she was so adorable." [Transcript: 05:33]
Colleen pursued her passion for teaching, completing her degree at Assumption College where she excelled during her senior year through student teaching. Her natural ability to connect with students led her to a teaching position at Danvers High School in Massachusetts. At just 24, Colleen was beloved by both students and faculty for her dedication and innovative teaching methods, often using Twitter and inspirational quotes to engage her students.
The Day of the Murder: October 22, 2013
On what seemed like a typical school day, Colleen taught her classes and stayed an extra hour to assist students. Two students remained after school: the newly transferred Philip Chisholm and another unnamed student. That evening, concerns arose when both Philip's mother and Colleen's parents reported their children missing.
"Colleen's phone last pinged about 25 minutes on foot away from the school. And Philip's phone last pinged at a nearby movie theater." [Transcript: 09:14]
Investigation and Discovery
Police efforts to locate Colleen and Philip led to the discovery of disturbing evidence:
- Blood Stains: Reddish-brown stains found in the second-floor women's bathroom.
- Personal Items: A recycling bin with blood, shoes, clothing, and white bloodied gloves.
- Security Footage: Crucial evidence showing Philip's movements, including him putting on gloves and a ski mask, and his sinister actions in and around the bathroom.
"Philip can be seen putting on a pair of gloves. And this is very chilling and disturbing." [Transcript: 14:00]
Despite extensive searches, Colleen's remains were not immediately found until Philip led officers to them.
Arrest and Interrogation
Philip was apprehended after being spotted walking along Highway Route 1 and was brought in for questioning. During his interrogation, Philip admitted to the murder:
"Philip explained that he had karate chopped her neck and then cut her throat with that box cutter." [Transcript: 25:48]
His casual demeanor during the confession was shocking:
"He just said, 'It's the girls.'" [Transcript: 33:55]
The Trial
Philip Chisholm stood trial in 2015, pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. The defense presented a case claiming Philip suffered from early-onset schizophrenia and a transient psychotic episode. However, the prosecution contested this, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the crime evidenced by Philip's preparation and actions on the day of the murder.
"Philip did come to school that day completely prepared to commit this murder. He had a ski mask, he had a box cutter, he had a change of clothes." [Transcript: 33:44]
Expert testimonies were split, with one psychiatrist affirming Philip's sanity at the time of the crime, while defense psychiatrists argued mental instability.
Sentencing and Aftermath
In 2015, the jury found Philip guilty on nearly all counts, sentencing him to 40 years in prison with parole eligibility in 40 years. This decision was influenced by a Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling prohibiting life without parole for juveniles.
"He is pure evil and evil can never be rehabilitated." [Transcript: 44:56]
The sentence sparked outrage among Colleen's family, who felt the punishment was insufficient for the heinous crime.
The Ritzer Family's Response
Colleen's family has been unwavering in their pursuit of justice and honoring her legacy. They established the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, which offers scholarships to aspiring teachers and organizes community events like the Step Up for Colleen 5K and Kindness for Colleen Day.
"Their goal has always been justice and to make sure that nothing like this happens to another person again." [Transcript: 47:28]
In 2022, a civil lawsuit against Denisco Design resulted in a settlement, addressing perceived security flaws at Danvers High School.
Initiatives in Colleen’s Honor
To keep Colleen's spirit alive, her family initiated several projects:
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Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship: Awards over $593,000 to 114 students passionate about teaching and community service.
"In the 11 years since they created it, they have awarded scholarships to 114 recipients with over $593,000 granted." [Transcript: 50:56]
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Step Up for Colleen 5K Walk/Run: A community event celebrating Colleen's life and fostering goodwill.
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Kindness for Colleen Day: Held annually on October 22nd, encouraging random acts of kindness in her memory.
"Every October 22nd is Kindness for Colleen Day, where they encourage people to do that random act of kindness." [Transcript: 51:41]
Conclusion
Kendall Rae's coverage of Colleen Ritzer's tragic murder not only sheds light on the case's intricate details but also highlights the enduring impact of Colleen's life and the Ritzer family's resilience. Through their various initiatives, they continue to honor Colleen's legacy, promoting kindness and supporting future educators.
"Our family enters a new phase in our lives, one that we have no choice but to begin. However, we do so knowing the remarkable difference Colleen made in her short life and continues to make in the lives of so many." [Transcript: 42:45]
Kendall encourages listeners to participate in Kindness for Colleen Day and support the memorial fund, ensuring that Colleen's memory inspires ongoing positive change.
Notable Quotes:
- "He is pure evil and evil can never be rehabilitated." — Colleen's sister [44:56]
- "Our family would like to thank the jury for their fair and careful consideration of the evidence and overwhelming facts presented during the past few weeks." — Philip Chisholm [41:49]
- "This was so evil, and so unnecessary, so brutal." — Kendall Rae [53:52]
Supporting Initiatives:
- Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund Donations: [Link provided in episode]
- Step Up for Colleen 5K: [Event details]
- Kindness for Colleen Day: Participate and share using the hashtag #KindnessForColleen
Kendall Rae invites listeners to engage with the community's efforts to remember Colleen and promote kindness, embodying the very essence of what Colleen stood for.