Lynn teen charged in Danvers murder, DA says
In an obvious random act of violence, a 68-year-old lady was discovered lifeless in her Danvers house Thursday and a Lynn teenager has been charged together with her homicide, Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker stated Thursday evening.
The sufferer was recognized as Janet Swallow, 68 who lived on Amherst Street, Tucker stated at a information convention on the Danvers police station.
His alleged attacker was recognized as Anthony DeMayo, 18, a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, Tucker stated.
“This is random,” Tucker stated, in keeping with a livestream of the press convention. “There was no connection between the defendant and the victim.”
DeMayo was picked up after he was noticed Thursday afternoon strolling alongside Standish Street in Lynn with a knife that seemed to be blood-stained, Tucker stated.
Because the teen was performing erratically, he was taken to Salem Hospital, Tucker stated.
Police executed a search warrant for the teen’s house. Information gathered there, mixed with know-how, led investigators to Amherst Street the place they discovered Swallow’s physique, Tucker stated.
He declined to touch upon when she might need been killed.
Danvers Police Chief James P. Lovell stated Swallow was a longtime resident and her two sons have been notified of her dying.
“There is no continued threat or danger to the public,” Lovell stated.
DeMayo was arrested on the hospital and brought to the Salem police station. The preliminary investigation signifies that he acted alone, Tucker stated.
“This terrible tragedy has struck the Swallow family, the town of Danvers, and the Bishop Fenwick community,” Tucker stated. “They are all in our thoughts as we continue to investigate.”
DeMayo will likely be arraigned Friday in Salem District Court on a cost of homicide. More particulars concerning the crime will likely be revealed then, Tucker stated.
According to public data, Swallow lived at 17 Amherst St., Danvers, and State Police responded to the house late Thursday afternoon, in keeping with Broadcastify, a public security audio feed.
Police have been on the scene on the house late into Thursday evening.
Kathy McCabe of the Globe Staff contributed to this report.
Tonya Alanez may be reached at tonya.alanez@globe.com. Follow her @talanez.
