Three individuals were discovered lifeless, having endured fatal stabbings and beatings, within a residence in Newton, Massachusetts on Sunday morning. The married couple, both in their 70s, along with the wife’s elderly mother in her 90s, were among the victims.
The grim revelation occurred when the couple failed to attend their 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
“Their 50th anniversary was intended to be commemorated with a blessed ceremony after the 10 a.m. Mass. When they didn’t arrive – I can’t divulge the specifics of who found them – but we were informed, and I, along with several staff members, spent the entire day there,” shared Rev. Dan Riley of Our Lady Help of Christians with WCVB.
During a press briefing, Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan disclosed that a family friend left the church after Gilda D’Amore, 73, and Bruno D’Amore, 74, failed to appear.
Around 10:15 a.m., upon arriving at the D’Amores’ residence, they made the gruesome discovery.
“In one of the bedrooms, evident signs of a struggle were apparent, including shattered furniture and a blood-covered crystal paperweight. Furthermore, in the kitchen, a knife with reddish-brown stains was found,” stated Ryan.
While investigating, authorities came across signs of forced entry and detected bloodied footprints in the hallway. Surveillance footage from neighboring properties revealed images of the suspect, Christopher Ferguson, 41, near the D’Amores’ home on Sunday morning. Notably, he was shirtless and shoeless.
Another break-in occurred near the D’Amores’ residence on the same morning, although it remains uncertain whether the two incidents are connected.
A special mass dedicated to honoring the elderly victims was held on Tuesday evening.
On Monday, Ferguson was taken into custody and is currently confronting charges of murder, along with two counts of assault and battery using a lethal weapon, and burglary. Further charges are anticipated pending the completion of the remaining autopsies.
It is truly heartbreaking for this family. Instead of celebrating a joyous occasion, they are now faced with the sorrowful task of burying their beloved relatives.