(NECN: Kathryn Sotnik) - Teenage murder suspect Phillip Chism has allegedly assaulted a female Department of Youth Services employee, according to the Essex County Sheriff's Department.
DYS confirmed the alleged assault happened at their Dorchester facility Monday, but won't comment on exactly what happened, if the employee was injured, or how it happened at this point.
Chism has pleaded not guilty to raping and murdering his teacher, Colleen Ritzer, back in October at Danvers High School. She was found dead and partially nude under a pile of leaves in a wooded area near the school.
Investigators say Chism slit Ritzer's throat with a box cutter in a student bathroom before allegedly wheeling her body out in a recycling bin. According to court documents, a search warrant states Chism admitted to killing Ritzer.
In the latest case, DYS says they're working closely with police and that, "The safety and well-being of our staff is of primary concern and a full review of this incident will be conducted to identify any necessary security enhancements at the facility."
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office says State Police assigned to their office responded to the scene and are continuing their "very active investigation."
Chism is currently being held at Boston Medical Center, where the sheriff's department says they have a security detail assigned to him.
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A Ritzer family spokesperson had no comment on the new allegation Tuesday night.
Chism is being tried as an adult in Ritzer's murder. NECN placed phone calls to his attorney's office over the incident and has not yet received comment on the case.
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