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Surveillance Footage Shows Philip Chism Following Colleen Ritzer

SALEM (CBS/AP) -- Surveillance video from inside Danvers High School shows Philip Chism following Colleen Ritzer before he allegedly killed the math teacher inside a women's restroom.

Chism, 16, is charged with raping and murdering Ritzer in 2013.

Colleen Ritzer
Colleen Ritzer seen on surveillance video shortly before she was killed. (WBZ-TV)

The video shown in Salem Superior Court at his trial on Wednesday shows Chism, then 14 years old, following her to the restroom and pacing back and forth outside the door. He later emerges with the hood of his sweatshirt still covering his head.

Philip Chism
Philip Chism seen on surveillance video following Colleen Ritzer shortly before she was killed. (WBZ-TV)

Jurors first saw the large recycling barrel allegedly used by Chism to move Ritzer's body to the woods. They were then shown photos of bloody women's clothing found in the woods behind the school on the day Ritzer was murdered.

Colleen Ritzer murder trial
A court officer brings in the recycling bin used to move Colleen Rizer's body after her murder. (WBZ-TV)

Earlier in the day, Chism's lawyer said the 16-year-old would waive his right to appear at his murder trial, before the accused teenager changed his mind and told a judge he wants to be present for proceedings.

Wednesday's developments came one day after Chism refused to re-enter the courtroom, telling a court officer that he "can't take this anymore."

chism-1118
Philip Chism talks to the judge on Nov. 18, 2015. (WBZ)

Chism's lawyers say he is mentally ill. The judge dismissed the jury early after Chism would not leave his holding cell.

"He's about to explode," Chism's attorney told the court.

chism-cuffs
Philip Chism in handcuffs on Nov. 18, 2015 (WBZ)

Chism has already undergone a mental evaluation which had delayed the jury selection process. He was found competent to stand trial.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports: 

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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