Chism to Be Arraigned Dec. 4 in Superior Court

The Essex District Attorney's office said Friday morning Philip Chism will now be arraigned on a first-degree murder charge in Salem Superior Court on Dec. 4.

Chism, 14, of Danvers, was indicted by a grand jury Thursday on the murder charge, moving the case from district to superior court, as well as charges of aggravated rape and armed robbery in the death of high school math teacher Colleen Ritzer.

Ritzer, 24, of Andover, was killed Oct. 22 at Danvers High School after she had Chism stay after class to prepare for an upcoming exam.

DA Jon Blodgett said Thursday his office would move to join all three indictments together in superior court -- the rape and robbery charges are currently in juvenile court against Chism as a youthful offender.

A hearing in Salem District Court scheduled for Friday was already canceled earlier this week at the request of Chism's attorney.

And now that the grand jury hearing has concluded, the impoundment order will be lifted on court records of a search warrant and affidavit relating to a search of Chism's home by investigators.