Global Courant
The suspect wanted for a triple homicide that put a Massachusetts town on high alert for nearly 48 hours is in custody.
Christopher Ferguson, 41, allegedly killed Jill and Bruno D’Amore, ages 73 and 74, along with Jill’s 97-year-old mother, Lucia Arpino, at their Newton home in what appears to be a random, botched home invasion, authorities say . at a press conference on Monday night.
Jill suffered more than 30 stab and blunt trauma wounds and her death was ruled a homicide, Middlesex prosecutor Marian Ryan said.
Therefore, as of Monday evening, there is only one count of murder, but that is expected to change on Tuesday after Bruno and Arpino’s autopsies are completed, the prosecutor said.
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Chris Ferguson, 41, was arrested and faces several charges in connection with the June 25 triple murder in Newton, Massachusetts (Chris Ferguson/Facebook)
Ferguson, who is known to police, was seen “staggering” in the area at 5:20 a.m. Sunday with no shoes and no shirt, Ryan said.
It’s unclear whether that video captured the moments before or after the alleged murders, but it was about 100 yards from his home and about four-tenths of a mile from the crime scene, she said.
“There were clear signs of a struggle in one of the bedrooms, including broken furniture and crystal paperweight covered in blood,” DA Ryan said. Police also found a blood-stained knife in the kitchen.
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Ferguson has no known connections to the family and, according to the prosecutor, appears to have entered the house through a window in the basement.
He allegedly left behind bloody footprints that resemble fingerprints, further tying him to the crime scene, Ryan said.
After his arrest, Ferguson was hospitalized, but the district’s top prosecutors expect him to appear in court before his arraignment, with additional charges.
Police officers gather outside the home where a triple homicide — which killed a married couple and the woman’s mother — took place on Monday, June 26, 2023, in Newton, Massachusetts. Police are urging the community to remain vigilant as the search for the attacker continues. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
An arraignment date has not yet been set, although it could be tomorrow.
The randomness of the attack in an otherwise peaceful, close-knit and affluent community “shocked” the neighborhood, said Jim Sbordone, a former Newton firefighter and friend of the D’Amore family, and put the town on a heightened state of alert. state of paranoia.
The police and the public prosecutor concluded Sunday evening’s press conference with a warning to residents to lock their doors and windows and to watch out for suspicious activity.
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Authorities said the city can exhale now that Ferguson is in custody.
“It’s always important to be vigilant…but I would say we’re definitely much safer tonight than we were last night,” said Ryan.
Jill and Bruno were murdered a day—perhaps even hours—before they were due to renew their wedding vows for their 50th anniversary at Sacred Heart and Our Lady’s Collaborative Church in Newton, where they were active parishioners and never missed the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass.
An exterior view of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Newton, Massachusetts on Monday, June 26, 2023. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
The parish’s pastor, Rev. Dan Riley, told Fox News Digital that they were “the salt of the earth, the best people you would ever meet … They will be terribly missed”.
The Collaborative Staff released a statement, which was obtained by Fox News Digital, stating, “Jill and Bruno D’Amore and Jill’s mother Lucia Arpino were killed in a senseless act of violence.”
Riley — or Father Dan as he is more commonly known to the community and his parishioners — wrote a tribute for the couple that he shared with Fox News Digital and is published in full below.
A couple brings followers to the home where a triple homicide — which killed a married couple and the woman’s mother — took place on Monday, June 26, 2023, in Newton, Massachusetts. Police are urging the community to remain vigilant as the search for the attacker continues. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
“With the sudden death of three beloved elderly parishioners over the weekend, we are deeply shocked and saddened,” he said. Our sincere condolences and many prayers go out to the family and friends of these three loved ones.
“My deepest gratitude for the incredible love and support that the staff, parishioners, neighbours, police, counselors and all government personnel who have been so caring, compassionate and helpful have given and continue to give.
“The pain of this tragedy is all too real. God’s love working through you is also real. Likewise, the resurrection of Jesus is real.
“This means that as we grieve deeply, deeply, we do so with the support of each other and with the confidence that in the end good conquers evil and life conquers death.”
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Tuesday at 6:30 pm there is a short “mass of peace”, followed by a song prayer for the family.
Chris Eberhart is a crime and American news reporter for Fox News Digital. Email tips to [email protected] or on twitter @ChrisEberhart48
