Bloody barefoot prints found at a Massachusetts home where three people were killed Sunday led investigators to arrest a Newton man, prosecutors said Monday.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan identified the suspect as 41-year-old Christopher Ferguson. He has been charged with murder in the death of Jill D’Amore, who was killed Sunday along with her husband, Bruno D’Amore, and her mother, Lucia Arpino.
Ferguson is also charged with robbery and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing grievous bodily injury in what investigators say was a random attack. Autopsies on Arpino and Bruno D’Amore are scheduled for Tuesday, and Ryan said he expects Ferguson to face additional charges once they’re completed.
During a news conference announcing Ferguson’s arrest, Ryan explained that the D’Amores were supposed to renew their wedding vows Sunday at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. A close friend and neighbor went to the home shortly before 10:15 am and found all three victims seriously injured.
The friend called 911 and first responders pronounced them dead a few minutes later.
Ryan explained that investigators found evidence of forced entry in the basement and signs of a struggle in a bedroom, “including broken furniture and a glass paperweight covered in blood.”
Forensic analysis of the ceramic tiles outside the bedroom revealed bloody barefoot prints on the floor, according to the district attorney.
“Like fingerprints, the skin on people’s feet is unique and leaves an impression that can be compared,” Ryan said.
The footprints led authorities to arrest Ferguson, who was identified after being seen on surveillance footage walking shirtless and shoeless and “what appeared to be a wobbly gait” on Albermarle Road, less than a mile from the scene. from the crime and about 100 yards from his own home on Washington Street, according to Ryan.
The prosecution said that whoever perpetrated the act forcibly entered the house.
Prosecutors said Ferguson had been in the hospital since Sunday. He was arrested Monday night.
“In the late afternoon, the lab was able to match one of those prints taken from the hallway tile floor to an impression taken from Mr. Ferguson,” Ryan said. “That’s what led to getting the arrest warrant.”
Asked if the victims were randomly targeted, Ryan said: “We have no information that would give us any reason to think otherwise at this time.” She said earlier during the press conference that “at this time, we are not aware of any established connection between family members and Mr. Ferguson.”
Ilana Margalit, a neighbor of the suspect, described the subject as an intelligent, funny, kind man… adding that he was very special and that he struggled with mental health problems.
Ellen Meyers, who also lives a short distance from the suspect’s home, said in English that “knowing that an arrest has been made is a relief, but knowing that this person literally lived around the corner from my house is absolutely terrifying.”
The random nature of the killings shocked the community, which was urged to be vigilant on Sunday.
“To the family of Jill and Bruno D’Amore and to Jill’s mother, Lucia Arpino, I extend my deepest condolences on the tragic death of their loved ones. I have heard from so many neighbors and friends how much these three people meant to their neighborhood. very close knit. I speak for the people of Newton when I say our hearts and prayers go out to you,” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller wrote in a statement Monday. “This is such a difficult time in our community. The loss of these three people and the loss of our sense of security has been deeply upsetting.”
“Newton is a safe city, however this is a reminder that senseless acts of violence happen in cities like ours. But it is very important that we remain vigilant and maintain some level of awareness in the community and look out for each other.” another,” Newton Police Chief John Carmichael said Monday.
“Our hearts especially go out to the victims and their families. To experience a crime like this is horrifying, especially at a time when they were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary,” Newton City Council Speaker Susan Albright said.
Carmichael and Fuller said a community meeting would be held Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Horace Mann Elementary School to discuss the police response and how the community will recover from the tragedy.
