High school senior charged with "random" murder of 68-year-old woman in Massachusetts

Anthony DeMayo, 18, accused of killing Janet Swallow in her Danvers home in what authorities believe was an unprovoked attack

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:36am

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A Massachusetts teenager has been charged with murder after a 68-year-old woman was found dead in her home Thursday in what authorities believe to be a "random" attack. Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker announced that 18-year-old Anthony DeMayo of Lynn has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Janet Swallow, 68, who was discovered inside her Danvers residence.

Why it matters

This case has shaken the local community, raising concerns about random acts of violence and the safety of residents, especially vulnerable elderly individuals. It also highlights the challenges of addressing mental health issues among young people and the need for improved support systems to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to authorities, the investigation began when Lynn police received a 911 call about a man, later identified as DeMayo, walking along a road and behaving erratically while carrying a knife. DeMayo was taken to a hospital, and a search of his home led investigators to Swallow's residence, where she was found dead with "wounds consistent with a homicide." DeMayo, a high school senior, was then charged with murder and is undergoing a mental health evaluation.

  • On Thursday afternoon, Lynn police received a 911 call about a man, later identified as DeMayo, walking with a knife.
  • Later on Thursday, authorities found Swallow dead inside her Danvers home.
  • DeMayo was arraigned on Friday afternoon in Salem District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.

The players

Anthony DeMayo

An 18-year-old high school senior from Lynn, Massachusetts, who has been charged with the murder of Janet Swallow.

Janet Swallow

A 68-year-old woman who was found dead in her Danvers, Massachusetts home, the victim of an alleged random attack.

Paul Tucker

The Essex County District Attorney who announced the murder charge against DeMayo and stated that the attack on Swallow appears to have been random.

James Lovell

The Danvers Police Chief who notified Swallow's family and reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat.

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What they’re saying

“What we can say and what we believe at this point is this was random. There was no connection between the defendant and the resident who was the victim here, Ms. Swallow.”

— Paul Tucker, Essex County District Attorney

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

— Paul Tucker, Essex County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge ordered DeMayo sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for further mental health evaluation, and a pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 1.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for improved mental health support and intervention for young people, as well as the vulnerability of elderly residents to random acts of violence. It underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to help prevent such tragedies.