Woman's Chilling Encounter with Teen Accused of Killing ICU Nurse
An 18-year-old Massachusetts teenager, Anthony DeMayo, was arrested after confessing to the murder of 68-year-old Janet Swallow in her Danvers home.
Arrest Details
DeMayo was arrested on Thursday after a resident described him walking with a bloody knife and making stabbing motions. The woman, who called the police, reported that DeMayo seemed mentally unstable.
Confession and Crime Scene
According to court documents, DeMayo admitted to breaking into Swallow's home and fatally stabbing her. He allegedly entered through the kitchen window and attacked her while she was asleep.
Police were able to track DeMayo’s cellphone location to Danvers at the time of the crime, confirming his whereabouts during the early hours of Thursday.
Motive Investigation
Authorities noted that DeMayo had expressed a desire to kill someone for a long time. During investigations, he revealed plans to commit homicide prior to the incident.
The crime was described as random by Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, stating there was no known connection between DeMayo and Swallow.
Swallow was a retired intensive care unit nurse and is survived by two sons. This case has raised concerns in the community, with counselors provided at Bishop Fenwick High School, where DeMayo was a senior.
DeMayo faced arraignment on Friday in Salem District Court on charges of murder and home invasion.
