While family and friends gathered to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at a nearby church, a couple in Massachusetts was allegedly killed in what police believe was a random attack. Gilda D'Amore, 73, and Bruno D'Amore, 74, were discovered Sunday with Gilda D'Amore's mother, Lucia Arpino, 97; all three suffered deadly injuries.
Police arrested 41-year-old Christopher Ferguson on Monday and charged him with multiple felonies, including one count of murder. As of Monday, only Gilda D'Amore's autopsy was complete, and additional charges are expected. A day that was supposed to be filled with excitement and love instead will now be shrouded in sadness.
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Family and friends filled Our Lady of Help of Christians church Sunday, waiting for the D'Amores to arrive.
The celebration was scheduled for 10 a.m., but guests became concerned when the couple was not at the church for the start of Mass. A friend left the church and traveled to the couple's home in Newton and made the grisly discovery, according to WCVB.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan addressed the media Monday and said the friend called 911 around 10:15 a.m., and police arrived shortly after, according to the news outlet. The scene was chaotic, and all three victims were pronounced dead at the home.
There were multiple signs of a struggle.
Ryan said Gilda D'Amore had more than 30 stab wounds and blunt force trauma injuries. The other victims' injuries are unknown as authorities await autopsy results.
"There were obvious signs of struggle in one of the bedrooms of the home, including broken furniture and a crystal paperweight covered in blood. We also found in the kitchen a knife with red, brown stains," she explained during the media conference.
Police found signs of forced entry.
During the investigation, police noticed a window in the basement that appeared to be broken, and other screens were pried open. The garage in the rear of the house also appeared to have been broken into. Police also found bloody, bare footprints in the hallway of the home that helped lead investigators to the suspect.
Video surveillance reportedly captured Ferguson near the home Sunday morning.
Ryan said the video allegedly showed Ferguson without a shirt or shoes near the home early Sunday. Police matched the footprints in the house and identified the suspect. Ryan also said another attempted break-in happened in the area around 5:45 a.m., but it is unknown if the incidents are related. She said the attack appeared to be completely random.
"We are asking people to remain vigilant," Ryan said, per CBS Boston. "Lock your doors and windows even if you do not normally do that."
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The church plans to hold a Mass of Peace Tuesday evening.
Pastor Dan Riley made a statement regarding the tragedy within the church community:
"With the sudden deaths of three beloved elderly parishioners over the weekend, we are immensely shocked and saddened. Our heartfelt sympathy and many prayers go out to the family and friends of these three cherished ones. My deepest gratitude for the incredible love and support that the staff, parishioners, neighbors, the police, the counselors, and all the government personnel who have been so solicitous, compassionate, and helpful have given and continue to give."
He planned a special Mass for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
