A disturbing crime in Massachusetts has left a community in shock after an 18-year-old was arrested and charged with murder. Authorities say the suspect allegedly broke into a stranger’s home and fatally stabbed a 68-year-old woman while she was sleeping.
The case quickly unfolded after a local resident spotted the suspect walking around her neighborhood with a bloody knife and called police.
Teen arrested after neighbor reports suspicious behavior
The suspect, Anthony DeMayo, 18, was arrested on Thursday in Danvers, Massachusetts. Police took him into custody after a resident reported seeing him walking down her street while carrying a large knife.
According to reports, the woman noticed DeMayo making stabbing motions toward bushes and behaving in a disturbing way. She later told reporters that he appeared “unhinged” and seemed mentally unwell.
Concerned about the situation, she called 911.
Police quickly responded and located the teenager nearby.
Suspect allegedly confessed to killing a woman
When officers approached DeMayo, he allegedly told them that he had killed a woman in Danvers the night before.
Investigators soon connected the statement to the death of 68-year-old Janet Swallow.
Swallow was found dead inside her home, and police launched a homicide investigation.
Authorities later confirmed that DeMayo had been charged with murder and home invasion.
Police say suspect planned the crime
Court documents revealed disturbing details about the alleged attack.
According to investigators, DeMayo told police he had been driving around the town looking for a home to break into.
He eventually chose Swallow’s house and allegedly entered through a kitchen window.
After entering the home, he reportedly walked through several rooms before discovering the victim sleeping in her bedroom.
Victim attacked while sleeping
Investigators say DeMayo admitted that he began stabbing Swallow in the neck while she was asleep.
According to court records, the attack became even more violent when the knife allegedly became stuck in the victim’s neck.
Police say DeMayo told them he then pulled Swallow off the bed and onto the floor.
He allegedly left her there and drove back to his home in Lynn, Massachusetts.
Authorities said the victim died from the injuries.
Phone data helped investigators
During the investigation, police reviewed cellphone data that helped place the suspect in the area.
According to reports, DeMayo’s phone location showed he was in Danvers around the time of the crime.
The phone reportedly remained in the same location between midnight and 1 a.m. on Thursday.
This information helped investigators confirm the timeline of the alleged break-in and attack.
Suspect allegedly said he wanted to kill someone
Investigators also reported that DeMayo made alarming statements after his arrest.
According to police documents, he told authorities he had planned to commit the act for a long time.
He allegedly said he had wanted to kill someone for a long time.
Officials later described the attack as random.
Victim had no connection to suspect
Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said there was no relationship between DeMayo and the victim.
Authorities believe the suspect randomly selected the home and the victim.
Because of this, officials described the killing as a random act of violence.
Woman who called police speaks out
Ashley O’Brien, the resident who called 911, later spoke about the moment she saw DeMayo.
She said he briefly looked directly at her, which made her uncomfortable.
After he walked away, she felt something was wrong and decided to alert police.
O’Brien later said she believed he might hurt someone if authorities were not contacted.
Her quick decision to call police helped officers locate the suspect.
Victim remembered by community
Janet Swallow, the victim, worked as an intensive care unit nurse.
Friends and family described her as a caring medical professional who spent years helping patients.
She leaves behind two adult sons.
The killing has deeply affected the Danvers community.
School offers support to students
Authorities said DeMayo was a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School.
After news of the arrest spread, school officials announced that counselors would be available for students and staff who needed support.
The school community has been dealing with the shock of the allegations against one of its students.
Court proceedings begin
DeMayo was scheduled to appear in Salem District Court for his arraignment on Friday.
He faces charges of murder and home invasion.
The case will now move through the legal system as prosecutors present evidence and the court determines the next steps.
