Free Republic

A 14-year-old arrested in the murder of a 24-year-old teacher in Danvers, Mass., was charged by the Essex district attorney as an adult Wednesday during his arraignment at Salem District Court. Philip Chism, 14, pleaded not guilty and was held without bail. His defense attorney argued for the proceedings to be closed and her client to be allowed to stay hidden because of his age. The judge denied the request. The judge approved a motion for a mental evaluation, The Boston Herald reported. Chism is charged in the murder of Colleen Ritzer of Andover, a Danvers High School teacher. She...

DANVERS (WHDH) -- A 14-year-old student is in custody after a teacher was found murdered at Danvers High Schools. Danvers Public Schools were closed Wednesday. The Essex District Attorney’s office said it was due to an ongoing homicide investigation. Danvers has five elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Essex District Attorney said the schools are closed primarily for the investigation and that there is no risk to the public or children. Overnight, there were reports of a missing teen. The DA confirmed that the missing Danvers teen was found safe Wednesday morning. They’ve scheduled a news conference...