The quiet streets of Danvers were shaken last week after a violent attack inside a family home took the life of 68-year-old Janet Swallow, a longtime resident, mother of two, and respected nurse. What happened inside her Amherst Street house has left neighbors stunned and a grieving family searching for comfort.
Authorities say Swallow was found dead Thursday inside her home. Investigators reported wounds consistent with homicide. The discovery quickly launched a major investigation led by the Essex County District Attorney’s office. For people who knew her, the news felt unreal. Friends described her as a caring mother and a warm presence in the neighborhood.
Swallow spent years working as an ICU nurse at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington. Hospital staff later described her as a valued and beloved member of the medical team. Many coworkers said she dedicated her life to helping patients through their most difficult moments.
Prosecutors allege the killing was random and deeply disturbing. According to investigators, 18-year-old Anthony DeMayo of Lynn forced his way into the home by breaking through a window screen. Authorities say Swallow was sleeping when she was attacked and stabbed inside the house.
Earlier that day, police had received a 911 call about a man walking with a knife and behaving strangely. The caller described seeing him swing the blade in the air and stab at bushes as if practicing. The behavior alarmed residents who feared something was wrong.
When officers later encountered DeMayo, police reports say he told them he had killed someone. He also reportedly told investigators that he had wanted to kill someone for a long time. DeMayo, a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School, has been charged with murder and armed home invasion.
During his arraignment in Salem District Court, DeMayo pleaded not guilty. A judge ordered that he be held without bail while he undergoes a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 1 for a probable cause hearing.
As the legal process unfolds, the Danvers community has turned its focus to Swallow’s family. Friends and neighbors organized a crowdfunding campaign titled “Honoring the Life of Janet Swallow.” The fundraiser had raised more than $45,000 as of Sunday to help with funeral and memorial costs.
Supporters say the effort is about more than money. It is about standing beside two grieving children and remembering a woman whose life was centered on caring for others. For many in Danvers, the loss of Janet Swallow has left a deep silence in a place that once felt safe.
