4 Teens Indicted In Danvers Beating Of Special Needs Resident

DANVERS, MA — An Essex County grand jury indicted four teens in the beating of Danvers resident Christopher "Ducky" Anderson in the woods near a town park last month, while warrants were issued for two other juveniles under age 14, according to Danvers Police Chief James Lovell and District Attorney Paul Tucker on Tuesday.

Tucker's office said Christian Ramos, 15, of Lawrence, and Danvers residents Armani Mendez, 15, Landon Chesna, 15, and Daeson Margarin, 14. Names were not released of the two juveniles under age 14.

Danvers police said an investigation into the incident revealed that Anderson was lured into the woods behind Plains Park where he was attacked by six juveniles. Police said Anderson, 43, who has special needs, suffered broken ribs in the attack.

• 'Really, Really Afraid': Danvers Assault Victim Speaks Out On Weekend Attack

"From the onset of this investigation detectives and school resource officers from the Danvers Police Department worked closely with our office to identify and hold accountable those involved in this reprehensible act of violence on a vulnerable member of the Danvers community," Tucker said.

Chief Lovell thanked Anderson, his family and the community for their patience during what he called "this challenging process." He also lauded the commitment of officers and detectives in working with the DA's Office to attain the indictments.

Anderson told the Select Board and the dozens of residents at a packed meeting the week of the attack that he could not sleep and was "very, very afraid" after he said he was attacked by a group of juveniles.

"I am scared of these kids," the victim, who has special needs, said in an emotional statement. "Can you do more for me?"

• Danvers Police Chief: 'We Will Not Tolerate Acts Of Violence'

Several residents spoke at Tuesday night's meeting about groups of juveniles riding on their bikes swearing at residents, throwing items, causing traffic disruptions and exhibiting threatening behavior over the past three years.

Lovell told the Select Board Thursday night that the department "will not tolerate acts of violence in our community" as he addressed its response to reports of youths terrorizing residents and visitors downtown and in the area of the rail trail, and looting stores, in recent years following the attack.

"This event has deeply impacted our community and we are all looking to seek justice for those responsible," Lovell said during the meeting on Nov. 7. "Multiple officers were assigned to this case and have worked diligently to investigate the incident thoroughly."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)