“We are gratified by the Court’s unanimous decision to affirm the defendant’s conviction and sentences. It is clear that the SJC carefully considered all of the issues and determined that the jury’s verdict should not be overturned.”
“Colleen Ritzer was a beloved math teacher in her second year at Danvers High School. It was her dream job. As Judge Lowy aptly said in sentencing, she lived ‘a life of quiet heroism.’”
“Throughout this process, I have been deeply moved and inspired by the grace of the Ritzer family. I hope that this decision will now bring a measure of justice and finality.”
“I am extremely grateful to the prosecution team: Kate MacDougall, Melissa Woodard, David O’Sullivan, and victim advocate Maureen Wilson Leal; Massachusetts State Police Trooper Steven Buccheri and the late Lieutenant Norman Zuk; the Danvers Police Department; the Topsfield Police Department; Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services and Crime Lab personnel; and many others who contributed to this investigation and prosecution.”
