Newton man, 41, arrested in connection to random triple homicide

NEWTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said a man was arrested in connection to a triple homicide that claimed the lives of three elderly people.

Ryan said Christopher Ferguson, 41, is behind bars after a burglary gone wrong on Sunday, ending with the deaths of a married couple and the wife’s mother who lived with them at their Broadway Street home.

“Right now [Ferguson] is charged with murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and burglary in connection with the incident that occurred yesterday,” Ryan said.

Bruno and Gilda “Jill” D’Amore, 74 and 73, and Gilda’s mother, Lucia Arpino, 97, were found stabbed and beaten to death in their home.

Lucia Arpino at left, her daughter, Gilda D’Amore, and D’Amore’s husband, Bruno. (Photo courtesy of the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office)

A friend who went to their home after the family did not show up for their blessing after communion at Our Lady of Help of Christians found the victims, on what was supposed to be a weekend of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

“Police further discovered evidence of a forced entry in the basement — one of the windows was opened and other windows had the screen pried off and removed from them,” Ryan said.

Authorities continue to believe the killings were random.

Massachusetts authorities say three elderly people were killed at a Newton home, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (WCVB-TV)

Ryan encouraged the town of Newton to always have a sense of vigilance, especially during the summer months when windows are often left open.

“I would say we are in a much safer situation than we were last night,” Ryan said.

Ferguson is set to be arraigned Tuesday at Newton District Court. Authorities said he may face additional charges.