Dear HM Families,
It has been an upsetting and unsettling week as we learned the news of the horrible events that took place in the early morning on Tuesday, only a few feet away from our school. This is the neighborhood where I grew up and where my parents still live, just a short distance away, on Brooks Ave. For each of the families involved in this unimaginable tragedy, there are connections to Horace Mann, to our staff, and to former students, and it is scary to know that something like this could take place so close to home. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who have been directly affected by this tragic event. As always, I know that we will come together as a community to mourn and to show our strength and support for one another.
I am writing today to share a message about an upcoming meeting, as well as some background from the District Attorney and Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s office. There are also resources available in the text below. As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at nardellimv@newton.k12.ma.us
Sincerely,
Mark Nardelli
Principal
COMMUNITY MEETING
WHEN: WEDNESDAY JUNE 28th, 2023
TIME: 7:00-8:30 PM
WHERE: HORACE MANN CAFETERIA, 225 NEVADA ST.
Message From Mayor Fuller:
To the family of Jill & Bruno D’Amore and Jill's mother, Lucia Arpino, I extend my deepest condolences on the tragic death of your loved ones. I have heard from so many neighbors and friends about how much these three people meant to their tight-knit neighborhood. I speak for the people of Newton when I say our hearts and prayers are with you.
This is such a difficult time in our community. The loss of these three individuals and the loss of our sense of safety has been deeply upsetting. Join us on Wednesday evening at the Horace Mann Elementary School auditorium (225 Nevada St.) from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. as we come together during this tragedy.
I will be joined by members of the Newton Police Department and District Attorney Marian Ryan. Importantly, a counselor from the Riverside Trauma Center will give a brief presentation and help lead a community conversation about how people typically respond to traumatic events like the one we are experiencing in our community. Additional counselors will share ideas about how we might cope in the days and weeks ahead as well as how to talk to our families and children about this tragedy.
Reactions to traumatic events can be had by those directly impacted as well as by family and friends, neighbors, first responders, and people learning about this tragedy through the news. Individual reactions vary and may include feelings of sadness, confusion, fear and worry. If you or a loved one needs immediate support in crisis, please contact the following resources:
Riverside Emergency Services 800-529-5077 (available 24/7)
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line 833-773-2445 (available 24/7 by phone or text)
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 by phone or text)
If you would like to talk with one of the City's social services staff members, please call the City of Newton Health and Human Services Department (Monday- Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at 617-796-1420. Ask to speak with a social worker to learn about resources and referrals to local mental health providers.
I am profoundly grateful for the dedication, expertise and collaboration of District Attorney Marian Ryan and her team and Chief John Carmichael and the team at the Newton Police Department. Police officers, detectives, state troopers, forensic experts, trauma counselors, social workers and attorneys worked tirelessly for the past 33 hours straight to help the bereaved, to identify the suspect and to make an arrest.
I also thank the community. Every step of the way Newtonians helped the police in their painstaking work.
I want to end where I began: To the family and friends of the three people lost, may your memories of them be for a blessing.
Warmly,
Ruthanne
Background from the Middlesex District Attorney:
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Newton Chief of Police John Carmichael have confirmed that Christopher Ferguson, 41 of Newton has been charged with murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and burglary in connection with the deaths of Gilda D’Amore, 73, her husband Bruno D’Amore, 74 and Mrs. D’Amore’s mother, Lucia Arpino, 97 who were attacked inside their Broadway Street home in Newton.
Yesterday at 10:14 a.m., a person known to the victims called 911 to report the victims were dead inside the home. She had gone to check on the victims after they did not arrive at church to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
The preliminary investigation indicated some signs of forced entry including broken glass and missing screens at the basement windows. Forensic specialists from the Massachusetts Crime Scene Section were immediately called to the scene and were able to collect a variety of forensic evidence.
As part of the investigation which began yesterday and continued today, investigators canvassed the neighborhood and were able to locate a video from Albemarle Road that depicted a male walking in that area, which is four-tenths of a mile from the victim’s home, at 5:20 a.m. on June 25.
That man was later identified as Christopher Ferguson.
Today, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death for Gilda D’Amore to be multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. The autopsies of the other victims are expected to be conducted tomorrow and additional charges are possible.
Late this afternoon the lab was able to positively match a footprint left in the home to Mr. Ferguson. Footprints, like fingerprints, are unique.
His arraignment is expected to be scheduled for tomorrow at Newton District Court.
At this time this continues to appear to be a random act.
This remains an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, Newton Police and the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Section. The prosecutor assigned to this case is Nicole Allain, the Victim Witness Advocate is Cheri MacDonald.
These charges are allegations and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
You can watch the press conference here: https://youtu.be/CvLUx7CxJgs
