Last Tuesday, Danvers High School teacher, Colleen Ritzer, was found dead in the woods behind the school. A 14-year-old student, Philip Chism, is now in custody, charged with her murder. In the Massachusetts suburbs surrounding Danvers High School, families and students mourn the loss of beloved math teacher, Colleen Ritzer.

It seemed like a normal day until 14-year-old student, Philip Chism, was reported missing. According to CBS News, his soccer teammates told authorities, “Chism left practice abruptly, claiming he had something important to do.”

Later that day, Ritzer was also reported missing and blood was found in a second floor school bathroom. It was later determined that someone had murdered Ritzer after school had dismissed, subsequently hiding her body in the woods adjacent to Danvers High.

From his interview and video surveillance from the school, police have concluded that Chism was indeed tied to Ritzer’s death. The teenager is said to have stabbed Ritzer to death with a box cutter stolen from the school’s art room.

The 14-year-old was condemned for murder on Wednesday afternoon in a Salem, Massachusetts court and held without bail. A grand jury will decide if Chism should be charged as an adult. This alone allows controversy to arise, as the nation argues over whether or not a 14-year-old should be pressed with adult charges.

Chism’s motives remain a mystery. Peers described him as a student who, “seemed quiet and reserved.” Not a single person could find reason for his sudden violence and brutality. Ritzer was described by students as the, “sweetest, most harmless person ever.” Her passion was teaching and she was known for her strong desire to help students in any way possible.

Ritzer’s family has established a memorial scholarship fund to benefit future Danvers High School graduates who choose to pursue careers in education.