Man Found Murdered in Waltham in the '70s Killed Actor's Mother

A man found murdered in Waltham in 1972 murdered the mother of actor Dylan McDermott, according to a two-part in the Republican American newspaper from Waterbury, Conn.

John Sponza, an alleged gangster, murdered Diane McDermott in February of 1967, Waterbury, Conn. Police have concluded more than 40 years after the crime, according to the Republican-American. 

Sponza was founded dead in the trunk of a car in Waltham in 1972, according to the Republican-American. Diane McDermott’s mother was first ruled an accident. Sponza told authorities that Diane McDermott accidentally shot herself after picking up a gun Sponza had been cleaning.  

Dylan McDermott was just 5 years old when his mother was murdered, according to the Republican-American. He recently contacted Waterbury Police with questions about the case, which eventually led to its final conclusion. 

McDermott is known for his role on the ABC series “The Practice,” among other titles. 

For more details, visit the Republican-American. A subscription is required.