A disturbing murder case in Massachusetts has led to the arrest of an 18-year-old high school student after a local resident reported seeing him walking through her neighborhood with a bloody knife. Police say the suspect later confessed to breaking into a home and killing a 68-year-old woman while she slept. The incident has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about safety after authorities described the attack as random.
Massachusetts Teen Arrested After Woman Reports Suspicious Behavior
Police arrested 18-year-old Anthony DeMayo after a woman reported seeing him behaving strangely in a Danvers, Massachusetts neighborhood.
According to reports, the woman noticed DeMayo walking down her street while holding a large knife. She also saw him making stabbing motions toward bushes along the road.
The witness, Ashley O’Brien, later told reporters that the young man appeared unstable and mentally unwell.
She said his behavior immediately alarmed her, prompting her to call 911.
Police responded quickly and soon located DeMayo. During the encounter, officers said he made a shocking statement and allegedly told them that he had killed a woman in Danvers the night before.
Police Say Suspect Confessed to Random Killing
Investigators later revealed that DeMayo confessed to killing 68-year-old Janet Swallow inside her home.
According to court documents, DeMayo reportedly told police he had been driving around the town looking for a house to break into.
Authorities say he eventually chose Swallow’s home and entered through a kitchen window.
Once inside, DeMayo allegedly moved through several rooms before discovering the victim asleep in her bedroom.
Police said he then began stabbing her in the neck while she was still in bed.
Attack Turned Brutal as Victim Tried to Resist
Court records describe the attack as extremely violent.
According to investigators:
- DeMayo repeatedly stabbed the victim in the neck
- His knife reportedly became stuck during the attack
- He allegedly pulled Swallow from the bed onto the floor
- He then left the home while she bled to death
After the attack, DeMayo reportedly drove back to his home in Lynn, Massachusetts.
Police later used cellphone data to track his location.
Authorities said his phone placed him in Danvers during the time of the murder, reportedly between midnight and 1 a.m.
Witness Says Teen Appeared Dangerous
Ashley O’Brien, the woman who called police, described the moment she saw DeMayo in her neighborhood.
She said he looked directly at her before continuing to walk down the street with the knife.
The situation made her feel that something was seriously wrong.
O’Brien said she felt strongly that she needed to contact police immediately because she believed he might harm someone.
Her call to emergency services helped officers quickly locate and arrest the suspect.
Authorities Describe Attack as Random
During a press conference, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said investigators found no connection between DeMayo and the victim.
Officials described the killing as a random act of violence.
Investigators also said DeMayo reportedly told them he had been thinking about committing such a crime for a long time and wanted to kill someone.
These statements have raised further concerns about the suspect’s mental state.
Victim Remembered as Dedicated Nurse
The victim, Janet Swallow, was a respected ICU nurse who had spent years caring for critically ill patients.
She leaves behind two adult sons who are now mourning her loss.
Friends and members of the community have expressed shock and sadness following the tragic incident.
School Provides Support for Students
Authorities confirmed that DeMayo was a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School.
Following the arrest, the school’s president, Tom Nunan Jr., announced that counselors were made available on campus to support students and staff affected by the news.
The case has deeply impacted both the local community and the school.
Suspect Faces Serious Criminal Charges
DeMayo has been charged with:
- Murder
- Home invasion
He was scheduled to appear in Salem District Court for his arraignment.
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Anthony DeMayo |
| Age | 18 |
| Victim | Janet Swallow |
| Age | 68 |
| Location | Danvers, Massachusetts |
| Charges | Murder, Home Invasion |
Authorities continue investigating the case as the legal process moves forward.
