High school student allegedly killed Danvers woman in her home in 'random' attack, DA says

"This is not only a tragedy for the town, for the school, this is just a very difficult case because of the randomness of this violence."

"There appears to be no connection between DeMayo and Swallow, Tucker said, 'and what we believe at this point is this was random.' As of now, the investigation has not found any connection between the defendant and the victim. We also believe, as of this point, that DeMayo acted alone."

"Lynn police first responded to a 911 call about a man, later identified as DeMayo, walking on Standish Street with a knife, which officers said appeared to have a 'reddish brown stain on the knife consistent with blood,' Tucker said. Due to his 'erratic behavior,' DeMayo was taken to Salem Hospital."

Anthony DeMayo, a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, faces murder charges in the death of Janet Swallow, 68, found dead in her Danvers home Thursday with homicide wounds. Lynn police discovered DeMayo walking on Standish Street with a knife bearing what appeared to be blood stains and exhibiting erratic behavior. He was taken to Salem Hospital, and subsequent investigation led authorities to Swallow's home. Prosecutors state no connection exists between DeMayo and Swallow, characterizing the killing as random. DeMayo is believed to have acted alone. The incident has deeply affected the Swallow family, Danvers community, and Bishop Fenwick High School.

Read at Boston.com