Teen Accused of Murdering Teacher Moved to Hospital

The Massachusetts teen accused of raping and murdering his teacher will spend 20 days in Worcester Hospital, where a team of doctors will evaluate his mental health.

Philip Chism, 16, was initially deemed fit for trial but refused to enter court or cooperate with a psychiatrist during jury selection Wednesday.

Over the past few days he has refused to enter the courtroom, banged his head against a floor and told a psychologist he hears voices and hopes someone will shoot him.

Chism has been charged the October 2013 rape and murder of 24-year-old Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer. He was 14 at the time but is being charged as an adult and has pleaded not guilty.

Defense attorneys have said they plan to use a mental health defense but haven't revealed specifics. Prosecutors said Chism is faking it to avoid trial.

Jury selection began this week, and testimony was scheduled to start next Tuesday. The trial has been suspended as a result of Chism's hospitalization, which could last 20 days.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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