In a tragic incident in Massachusetts, a suspect has been accused of murdering three individuals, including a couple who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and the 97-year-old mother of one of the victims.
The accused, Christopher Ferguson, 41, has been charged with the murder of Gilda D’Amore, 73, after her identification was confirmed during an autopsy conducted by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. The autopsy revealed that Gilda D’Amore had suffered over 30 stab wounds and injuries from blunt force trauma.
Autopsies are still pending to confirm the identities of the other two victims found deceased in Gilda D’Amore’s residence in Newton: her mother, Lucia Arpino, 97, and her husband, Bruno D’Amore, 74. Authorities believe that additional murder charges will be filed once the autopsies are completed.
At present, there is no known connection between the suspect and the victims, according to District Attorney Marian Ryan. She did not provide further details about the motive behind the attack, but earlier stated that it could possibly be a random act of violence.
Christopher Ferguson faces additional charges of assault and burglary in addition to the murder charges. He was apprehended by authorities on Monday after video footage captured an individual near the D’Amore home, who was shirtless, shoeless, and appeared to be walking in an unsteady manner.
Ryan mentioned that the Newton Police Department officers were familiar with Ferguson and were able to identify him from the video footage. Furthermore, a bloody footprint found at the D’Amore residence matched the impression of Ferguson’s foot.
The bodies of the victims were discovered on Sunday morning when a concerned friend went to check on the couple after they failed to attend a church service. The news conference held by District Attorney Marian Ryan on Sunday evening revealed the tragic nature of the incident, particularly as the couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.
A family statement, posted online by their church, Sacred Heart and Our Lady’s Collaborative, identified Gilda D’Amore as Jill D’Amore. The statement expressed the grief felt by the community and requested prayers for the couple’s three children and five grandchildren.
Following the incident, the authorities increased police patrols in the area, and District Attorney Ryan advised residents to ensure the security of their doors and windows.
There was a reported break-in attempt in a location approximately half a mile away around 5:45 a.m. on Sunday, although it was not reported until at least an hour later. District Attorney Ryan stated that it was unclear if the incident was connected to the killings, and she also mentioned that she could not recall any other triple homicides in Newton’s history.
The legal representation for Christopher Ferguson is not immediately known.