Massachusetts mother and nurse murdered in random attack remembered for her love, kindness

SALEM, Mass. –  In Salem District Court today, Anthony DeMayo, 18, of Lynn was arraigned for the murder of Janet Swallow, 68, of Danvers, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker confirms.

Before the Hon. Joanna Rodriguez, DeMayo pleaded not guilty to murder and armed home invasion, was ordered held without bail, and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.

Lynn Police responded to a 911 call on Thursday, March 12 and encountered DeMayo acting erratically on Standish Road in Lynn while carrying a knife. He was soon transported to a local hospital. Massachusetts State Police then obtained a search warrant for his residence and recovered evidence leading them to conduct a wellbeing check at Swallow’s residence on Amherst Street in Danvers. Upon searching her home on Thursday evening, police found her deceased with wounds consistent with a homicide. DeMayo was then arrested and charged.

DeMayo is a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody. In a Thursday night press conference, Tucker said that, as of this time, the investigation has yielded no connection between the victim and the alleged perpetrator, and that investigators currently believe the homicide to be random. Danvers Police Chief James Lovell assured Danvers residents that there is no ongoing threat to the public in relation to the homicide.

According to multiple reports, DeMayo, told police he had “wanted to kill someone for a long time.”

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

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, “Janet meant the world to her family and to those who knew her. Her kindness, presence, and love for her family left a lasting impact on everyone around her, and her loss has left an unimaginable hole in the hearts of those who loved her.”

Assistant District Attorney Erin McAndrews handled the arraignment today on behalf of the Commonwealth.

DeMayo is due to return to court on April 1st for a probable cause hearing.

Judge Rodriguez ordered case records impounded by agreement of the defendant and the Commonwealth.