'Stunned And Heartbroken': Danvers Responds To Grisly Killing Of 68-Year-Old Resident

DANVERS, MA — Danvers officials expressed shock and sadness — while trying to reassure residents that there is no known ongoing threat to their safety — after a Lynn teen was arraigned on murder and home invasion charges in the grisly stabbing death of a 68-year-old woman on Friday.

Danvers Police Chief James Lovell, who appeared at a news conference with Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker announcing an arrest in the case on Thursday night, said the department was "stunned and heartbroken" at the scene they encountered at the Amherst Street home where Janet Swallow was found dead in her own bed.

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"It is the kind of event that causes people to ask difficult questions," Lovell said. "How could this happen here? Why Danvers? Those questions are understandable. When something like this happens in a place we call home, it shakes our sense of safety and touches the entire community.

"I want residents to know that the members of the Danvers Police Department feel that same shock and sadness. Many of us live here, raise our families here, and care deeply about this town. I am a Danvers resident as well, and like so many of you, I believe strongly that everyone should feel safe in their own neighborhood, especially in their own home.

"Incidents like this are extraordinarily rare in our community, which is why they affect us so deeply. Like every town, however, Danvers is not immune to crime or the unpredictable actions of individuals. Even with careful preparation, tragedy cannot always be prevented. Yesterday was a painful reminder of that reality."

Town Manager Jill Cahill and the Select Board issued a statement saying "our town remains a safe place" and that the town is "committed to supporting residents during this difficult time."

Community members in need of support are encouraged to go to DanversCares here or call Public Health Nurse Judith Ryan at 978-762-0208 Ext 3519.

"We want to commend the Danvers Police Department for playing an important role in this investigation and for their continued, unwavering commitment to keeping our town safe," the statement said. "Thank you for your cooperation and for your continued support of one another.

"We encourage everyone to check on friends, neighbors, and loved ones as we navigate this challenging moment together."

Lovell said his officers will "continue working every day to ensure that Danvers remains a place where people feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods."

"This loss is being felt across our town, and many are struggling to make sense of it," Lovell said. "Events like this affect people in different ways. I encourage anyone who is struggling to lean on family, friends, and the support systems within our community."

According to prosecutors, Anthony DeMayo, 18, of Lynn, confessed to Lynn police the killing after he was found walking on Standish Road in the city carrying what appeared to be a blood-stained knife.

Prosecutors said DeMayo, a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, appeared to have traveled to Danvers and randomly chosen Swallow's home to enter through a window where he found her sleeping in a bedroom and then stabbed her to death.

DeMayo entered a not guilty plea on Friday.

He was ordered held without bail and to undergo further medical evaluations at Bridgewater State Hospital.

DeMayo is next scheduled to appear in court in April.