Please read and share my newest  here about the Philip Chism appeal. It begins 

“Chism’s attorneys argue for new trial
On Oct. 10, 2024, lawyers for Philip Chism argued before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) that Chism’s sentence is unlawful and that the now 25-year-old deserves a new trial.

At the same time, the family of Colleen Ritzer issued a statement which was picked up by CBS News. “Colleen and our family will not be afforded a second chance. If we live in a just society, neither should he,” they wrote. “That we, her family, and friends must even consider the possibility of reducing this convicted murderer’s sentence is unbelievable.”

Chism, who was 14 years old in 2014 at the time of his crimes, was found guilty by a jury and sentenced in 2016 for the brutal murder and rape of Ritzer, who was his teacher. He received a life sentence with parole eligibility after 25 years in prison—the law permits parole eligibility for a juvenile convicted of first-degree murder after 20 to 30 years, depending on the circumstances of the case.

The trial judge, David A. Lowy, also imposed 40 years for rape and 40 years for armed robbery—both sentences to be served concurrently with the life sentence for murder. If Chism is paroled, he will remain on parole for the rest of his life.”  MORE