Teen Charged in Danvers Murder

An 18-year-old high school student, Anthony DeMayo, was ordered held without bail on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Salem District Court, Massachusetts, following his confession to the murder of 69-year-old Janet Swallow in Danvers. DeMayo faces charges of murder and home invasion after Swallow was found stabbed to death in her home on Amherst Street the previous day.

Police located DeMayo in Lynn after a 911 call reported a man with a knife acting erratically. He was found with blood on a knife and subsequently confessed to killing a woman in Danvers. Investigators linked him to Swallow's residence, where her body was discovered. DeMayo reportedly told investigators he had planned the act "for a long time" and drove to Danvers, entering Swallow's home through a window before stabbing her.

A psychologist expressed concerns about DeMayo's "rational understanding" during the court appearance. He has been committed to Bridgewater State Hospital for a 20-day psychiatric evaluation, with a return court date scheduled for April 1. Authorities have stated the attack was random, with no prior connection between DeMayo and the victim.