Massachusetts man held without bail after allegedly stabbing wife and daughter with intent to murder

A 54-year-old Massachusetts man, who is accused of stabbing his wife and daughter, will be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for April 15, 2022.

Judge Randy Chapman entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Paul Salvaggio of Middleton at his arraignment in Salem District Court Friday afternoon. He is charged with Armed Assault with Intent to Murder (2 counts), Assault & Battery on a Child with Substantial Injury, and Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Kate MacDougall told the court that at approximately 6:11 this morning Middleton Police responded to a 911 call from the defendant’s wife reporting a stabbing in progress. Responding officers subdued the defendant and took him into custody. The defendant’s 13-year-old daughter was transported to Beverly Hospital and transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital where she remains in critical but stable condition. The defendant’s 54-year-old wife was stabbed in an effort to protect her daughter. She was transported to Beverly Hospital where she was treated and released.

The incident remains under investigation by the Middleton Police, Massachusetts State Police and the Essex State Police Detective Unit.