A Massachusetts teenager has been charged with murder after a 68-year-old woman was found dead in her home in Danvers in what authorities describe as a “random” attack. Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker announced the charge Thursday evening against 18-year-old Anthony DeMayo of Lynn.
Investigation and Arrest Details
The investigation began Thursday afternoon when Lynn police received a 911 call reporting a man walking along Standish Road carrying a knife. Officers found DeMayo acting erratically, holding a knife stained with what appeared to be blood. He was taken to Salem Hospital for evaluation. During the investigation, police executed a search warrant at DeMayo’s home, recovering evidence that led them to the Danvers residence of victim Janet Swallow.
Swallow, a 68-year-old longtime Danvers resident, was found dead inside her home on Amherst Street with wounds consistent with homicide. Authorities said there was no known connection between DeMayo and Swallow, and they believe DeMayo acted alone.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
DeMayo, a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, was arraigned Friday in Salem District Court, where he pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail. A court psychologist reported depressive symptoms during an interview, and the judge ordered further evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 1.
Danvers Police Chief James Lovell confirmed that authorities have informed Swallow’s family and reassured the public there is no ongoing threat. District Attorney Tucker described the case as a tragedy affecting the victim’s family, the town of Danvers, and the Bishop Fenwick community.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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