BOSTON (WHDH/WBZ/CNN NEWSOURCE/WKRC) – A Massachusetts high school senior is charged with murder in the death of a 68-year-old woman in what investigators say was a random attack in Danvers.
Anthony Demayo, 18, appeared in court Friday in Salem after police arrested him Thursday in Lynn. Authorities said he was found walking along a road carrying a bloody knife.
Anthony Demayo, 18, is charged with murder in the death of a 68-year-old woman in what investigators say was a random attack in Danvers. (WBZ/ASHLEY OB PHOTOGRAPHY, FACEBOOK, JANET SWALLOW, CNN NEWSOURCE)
According to a police report, Demayo told officers he had killed someone and said he had “wanted to kill someone for a long time.” Investigators said he told police he drove through several communities before stopping at a home on Amherst Street in Danvers.
Police later discovered the body of Janet Martin Swallow, 68, inside the home. Investigators said there appeared to be no connection between Demayo and Swallow.
Authorities allege Demayo broke through a window screen, entered the home and stabbed Swallow while she was sleeping.
Anthony Demayo, 18, is charged with murder in the death of a 68-year-old woman in what investigators say was a random attack in Danvers. (WBZ/ASHLEY OB PHOTOGRAPHY, FACEBOOK, JANET SWALLOW, CNN NEWSOURCE)
Neighbors said the randomness of the attack has unsettled the community.
“Seems to be very random which is also very unnerving,” said neighbor Jessica Mandri.
“It kind of adds to that fear of like you could’ve really been anyone,” another neighbor said.
Swallow had lived at the home for decades and was a longtime ICU nurse at Lahey Hospital. Friends and neighbors have created a memorial in her front yard.
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A judge ordered Demayo to undergo a three-week mental evaluation at a state hospital to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.
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