Bishop Fenwick Teen Charged in Danvers Woman's Death

Essex DA says the killing appears to be random, with no connection between the victim and suspect

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:38am

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An 18-year-old Bishop Fenwick High School senior from Lynn has been charged with the murder of a 68-year-old Danvers woman after he was found on a city street carrying a knife with apparent blood on it. The Essex County District Attorney's Office said the investigation has not found any connection between the defendant, Anthony DeMayo, and the victim, Janet Swallow, and believes the attack was random.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the communities of Danvers and the Bishop Fenwick school, raising concerns about random acts of violence and the safety of residents. The lack of an apparent connection between the victim and suspect adds to the unsettling nature of the crime.

The details

According to the Essex DA, a 911 call led Lynn police to find DeMayo on Standish Street, where he was exhibiting "erratic behavior." A search of his Lynn home uncovered evidence connecting him to Swallow's killing. Swallow's body was found in her Amherst Street home in Danvers, and the attack is believed to have happened on Thursday afternoon.

  • On Thursday afternoon, the attack on Janet Swallow is believed to have occurred.
  • On Thursday evening, Anthony DeMayo was found on a Lynn street and taken to the hospital.
  • On Friday, DeMayo will be arraigned in Salem District Court.

The players

Anthony DeMayo

An 18-year-old senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Lynn who has been charged with the murder of Janet Swallow.

Janet Swallow

A 68-year-old Danvers woman who was found dead in her home in what authorities believe was a random attack.

Paul Tucker

The Essex County District Attorney who is overseeing the investigation into Swallow's death.

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What they’re saying

“This terrible tragedy has struck the Swallow family, the town of Danvers, and the Bishop Fenwick community. They are all in our thoughts as well continue to investigate.”

— Paul Tucker, Essex County District Attorney

“What we believe at this point is that this was random. There was no connection between the defendant and the resident, who is the victim.”

— Paul Tucker, Essex County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Friday whether to allow Anthony DeMayo out on bail during his arraignment in Salem District Court.

The takeaway

This tragic and seemingly random attack has left the Danvers and Bishop Fenwick communities shaken, raising concerns about public safety and the need for further investigation into the suspect's motives and any potential warning signs that may have been missed.