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A harrowing case has emerged in Massachusetts, where an 18-year-old from Lynn stands accused of murder following the tragic death of a 68-year-old woman in her home. This seemingly senseless act has left the community in shock, as authorities suspect it was a “random” attack.
During a Thursday evening press conference, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker revealed that Anthony DeMayo faces charges in connection with the death of Janet Swallow. She was discovered lifeless within her Danvers residence, leaving a trail of unanswered questions about the circumstances leading to her untimely demise.
“At this juncture, our belief is that this was a random crime,” Tucker stated, emphasizing the absence of any known link between the young suspect and the victim, Ms. Swallow. This chilling randomness adds a layer of unease for the residents of this usually tranquil area.
The investigation was set in motion earlier that Thursday when Lynn police received a disturbing 911 call. A man was reportedly seen walking along Standish Road, brandishing a knife, which triggered an immediate response from law enforcement. The ensuing events would lead them to the grim discovery at Swallow’s home.
In the wake of this tragedy, police cordoned off the street near where Janet Swallow’s body was found, as they continue to piece together the events of that fateful day. The community remains on edge, grappling with the randomness of the crime and seeking solace in the ongoing investigation.
When officers arrived, they encountered the individual, later identified as DeMayo, who was reportedly behaving erratically and holding a knife with what authorities described as reddish-brown stains consistent with blood.
Police transported DeMayo to Salem Hospital due to his behavior.
As officers continued investigating, information developed that led Lynn police and Massachusetts State Police to execute a search warrant at DeMayo’s home in Lynn.
Evidence recovered there led investigators to contact the Danvers Police Department.
Authorities then conducted a well-being check at a single-family home on Amherst Street in Danvers, where they found Swallow dead inside with “wounds consistent with a homicide,” Tucker said.
Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker speaks during a press conference about the killing of 68-year-old Janet Swallow, Thursday in Danvers, Massachusetts. (Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker via Facebook)
DeMayo was taken into custody while at Salem Hospital and formally charged with murder.
Authorities said he is a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in nearby Peabody.
Danvers Police Chief James Lovell said investigators notified Swallow’s family and described the victim as a longtime Danvers resident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family,” Lovell said.
Lovell also reassured residents there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Investigators said, at this stage of the investigation, there appears to be no known connection between DeMayo and Swallow.
“As of now, the investigation has not found any connection between the defendant and the victim,” Tucker said. “We also believe, as of this point, that DeMayo acted alone.”
Investigators gather near the home where 68-year-old Janet Swallow was found dead Thursday in Danvers, Massachusetts. (WFXT)
The investigation remains ongoing.
“This terrible tragedy has struck the Swallow family, the town of Danvers and the Bishop Fenwick community. They are all in our thoughts as we continue to investigate,” Tucker said.
Anthony DeMayo was arraigned Friday afternoon in Salem District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to a murder charge and was ordered held without bail, according to NBC10 Boston.
A court psychologist who interviewed DeMayo said he showed depressive symptoms, the outlet reported.
The judge ordered DeMayo sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for further evaluation and scheduled a pretrial hearing for April 1. His attorney did not object, according to NBC10 Boston.
The Danvers Police Department and Tucker could not be immediately reached by Fox News Digital for comment.