Anthony DeMayo, an 18-year-old high school senior from Lynn, Massachusetts, was arrested for the random murder of 68-year-old Janet Swallow, an ICU nurse, in her Danvers home on March 11, 2026. A neighbor, Ashley O’Brien, spotted him the next day walking with a bloody knife, making stabbing motions, and described him as “unhinged”; her 911 call led to his quick arrest.
Confession Details
DeMayo confessed to police that he drove around seeking a home to invade, entered Swallow’s via a kitchen window, found her sleeping, and stabbed her neck—pulling her to the floor when the knife stuck, leaving her to bleed out. Cellphone data confirmed his presence at the scene from midnight to 1 a.m. He admitted planning to kill someone for a long time.
Charges and Aftermath
Charged with murder and home invasion, DeMayo was arraigned Friday in Salem District Court. Essex County DA Paul Tucker stressed no prior connection to Swallow. Bishop Fenwick High School offered counseling; Swallow leaves two adult sons. O’Brien’s vigilance prevented further harm—community awareness saves lives.
