Philip D. Chism, a 14-year-old teenager, has been indicted by an Essex county grand jury on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated rape and armed robbery for brutally killing Colleen Ritzer, his algebra teacher.
Chism of Massachusetts will be tried as an adult on the murder charge and as a youthful offender on the rape and armed robbery charges.
Until now, Chism was held without bail since Oct. 22, the day, he killed Ritzer. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
"The indictments ... detail horrific and unspeakable acts," said District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett. "This is the first step in a long process to secure justice for Ms. Ritzer and her family."
Ritzer, a 2011 graduate of Assumption College, was well known for her inspirational words, intelligence, positive spirit, enthusiasm, and hospitable nature.
"She was happy," said Jen Berger, Ritzer's best friend, CNN reports.
"She was energetic, she was compassionate. You couldn't ask for anything more from a teacher or a friend." Charlotte Dzerkacz, a former colleague, said.
A source close to the investigation told CNN that Chism allegedly killed his 24-year-old instructor in the girl's bathroom of Danvers High School with a box cutter.
According to prosecutors and students, who were present in the building that day, Chism stayed back after school to talk to him about an upcoming exam.
Officials said that Chism followed Ritzer to the girl's bathroom on the second floor and punched her a few times. Before slaying her, he stole her credit cards, iPhone, and underwear.
He then dumped the body in a nearby wooded area, changed his clothes and went to a Wendy's restaurant and a movie.
Authorities are still investigating the motive of murder.
Students at the high school are stunned to learn about the allegations because Chism came across as a quiet person, reserved and lately did not display signs of any violent behavior.
"It's unreal that [Philip] would do something like that," said Jessica DiPietro, 14, a freshman who had a math class with Ritzer. "It's unbelievable. I cannot even process into words why he would do something like that. It's devastating," Bostonreports.
To honor her 'tireless and dedicated work,' Ritzer's family has established a scholarship that will benefit graduates of Andover High School, who aspire to pursue a teaching career.
