Judge: Teen's Statements on Killing Teacher Tossed

Philip Chism did not waive Miranda rights 'beyond reasonable doubt': judge
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 4, 2015 10:14 AM CST
Judge: Teen's Statements on Killing Teacher Tossed
In this Jan. 9, 2015, file photo, Philip Chism sits in Salem Superior Court in Salem, Mass., during a hearing.   (AP Photo/The Boston Herald, Patrick Whittemore, Pool, File)

The day after Colleen Ritzer's Oct. 22, 2013, murder in Danvers, Mass., Philip Chism allegedly confessed to killing his teacher, but an Essex County Superior Court judge threw the teen's statements out yesterday. Chism, who was 14 at the time, was not adequately informed of his Miranda rights and did not waive those rights "beyond a reasonable doubt," Judge David Lowy said, per the Boston Globe.

NECN fleshes that out: Lowy wrote that it was "readily apparent" Chism's mother did want an attorney present, and he notes Chism didn't seem to be paying close attention when his Miranda rights were read. Chism has pleaded not guilty to murder and rape charges and his trial is scheduled for Oct. 7, reports the AP. (More Philip Chism stories.)

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