Closing Arguments Delivered in Chism Murder Trial

Photo Credit: 7News/whdh.com

SALEM, MA - The jury heard closing arguments on Monday morning in the trial of Philip Chism, the Danvers teen accused of raping and murdering his math teacher at Danvers High School in 2013.

The victim, Colleen Ritzer, 24, of Andover, was a well-liked math teacher at Danvers High School.

Prosecutors said he used a box cutter to brutally stab the 24-year-old and then violated her in the woods, where her body was found, according to wcvb.com.

The trial in Salem Superior Court was initially expected to conclude the week of Dec. 21st. The case could be in jurors hands on Monday afternoon. Judge David Lowy is expected to instruct the jury before their deliberations begin.

Lawyers for Chism, who was 14 years old at the time of his alleged crime, sought a mental health evaluation for him in mid-October. The judge declared the now 16-year-old Chism competent after reading a report on his ability to understand the trial proceedings and assist his attorneys.

• Prosecution Rests in Philip Chism Murder Trial
• UPDATED: Defense Rests in Philip Chism Murder Trial

Chism, 16, is being tried as an adult.