( CNN ) -- The mother of the 14-year-old Massachusetts boy who allegedly killed his teacher said Saturday her `` heart is broken '' for the teacher 's family and that she is struggling to understand the crime . Diana Chism , in a statement released by her son Philip 's attorney , also asked for prayers for all involved . Philip was arrested late Tuesday , accused of killing his 24-year-old algebra teacher , Colleen Ritzer , and dumping her body in nearby woods . `` Ms. Chism 's heart is broken for the Ritzer family and the loss of their daughter and sister Colleen Ritzer , '' the statement from attorney Denise Regan reads . `` Ms. Chism would like you to know that her son was born in love and is dear to her , very dear . She is struggling to understand this and respectfully asks for some time to process this . `` She asks that you know that she cares for the world 's hurt over this and greatly hopes for your prayers for the Ritzer family , the Danvers community , for her son , and all those affected by this tragedy . '' Chism killed Ritzer in the girl 's bathroom of Danvers High School with a box cutter he brought to school , a source close to the investigation said . He then stashed Ritzer 's body in a recycling bin , rolled it outside and dumped it about 20 feet into the woods behind the school 's athletic fields , the source said . After changing his clothes , Chism went to a Wendy 's restaurant and a movie , sources say . Chism was reported missing Tuesday evening after he failed to return home . As police searched for him , they received another missing persons call about Ritzer . Officers found Chism about an hour later and soon pieced the story together . Those who know Chism describe him as a quiet but normal teenager who excelled at soccer . He was a newcomer to Danvers , north of Boston , and this was his first year at the school . Ritzer was a favorite teacher to many at the high school and was known for her smile and positive spirit . `` She always wanted to be a teacher , all her life . It 's just unbelievable that someone would take her life at such a young age , '' said her aunt , Shirley Martellucci . Student saw teacher , alleged killer alone together before slaying . CNN 's Adam Sussman contributed to this report .
Diana ' says her ` ` heart is breaking '' for the teacher 's family . Her son , David , has been arrested in the case . The teacher says she is struggling to accept it . Teacher Colleen Ritzer was killed Tuesday .