Man, 41, Charged In Newton Triple Homicide That Claimed Elderly Family

NEWTON, MA — A 41-year-old local man has been charged in the Newton triple homicide that claimed three elderly victims, who have been identified as a husband and wife in their seventies, and the wife’s mother in her nineties.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan at a Monday press conference said Christopher Ferguson, 41, of Newton, was arrested in connection to the killings and is facing charges of one count of murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and burglary. More charges are expected as the state completes autopsies of the victims, Ryan said.

In a letter written by the victims family members, Paul and Ginny Arpino, to the community of Our Lady Help of Christians church, the victims were named as Jill and Bruno D’Amore, and Jill’s mother, Lucia Arpino.

“They were our cousins and Aunt …and to Rita (Dugan) and Isabella they were more than best friends, they were adopted family,” Paul and Ginny Arpino wrote in the letter.

Jill was described as a dedicated member of the church, and active in beautifying the church’s grounds by caring for the flowers and decorating for the liturgical seasons.

Bruno was described as having a big voice and was remembered for his “exuberant personality and as ‘head chef,’” flipping burgers for the parish picnic.

Lucia had never missed a 10 a.m. mass. for over 60 years, according to the letter, and would sit with her husband Alberto in the "North End" section of the church.

The family members said Lucia will be especially missed on the upcoming Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festa weekend, as she had walked in the procession through the streets of Nonantum well into her nineties.

The D’Amores leave behind three children and five grandchildren, family members wrote.

A preliminary investigation suggests that the triple homicide was the result of a break-in, as there were signs of forced entry into the home on Broadway Street in Nonantum.

"This is a safe neighborhood. I don't lock my house. This is shocking," Jack Porter, a Newton resident of 44 years said.

The three elderly victims were discovered around 10:14 a.m. Sunday morning by a family friend after they did not show up for mass at Our Lady of Help of Christians, reports WCVB.

Rev. Dan Riley of Our Lady Help of Christians said that while the community remains in shock and is grieving, they have also shown immense mutual support and love that has been "inspiring."

"The neighborhood has been like an extended family," Riley said.

He said the three victims were active church going parishioners and were "wonderful, wonderful people."

The church is holding a "Mass for Peace" for the victims on Tuesday, June 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 573 Washington St. in Newton.

District Attorney Marian Ryan told reporters at a news conference on Sunday that she could not recall any other triple murder in the city's history.

Investigators from the district attorney’s office, state police detectives, and Newton Police have been actively investigating and following leads, including investigating another attempted break-in at Brookside Avenue, about a half mile from the location of the homicide investigation that was reported to police Sunday morning.

At this time it is not known if the two incidents are connected.

Newton Police will have additional patrols stationed at the site of the homicide.

Authorities are again asking people to remain vigilant, check door and window locks and report any suspicious activity to Newton Police at 617-796-2123. In an emergency, call 911.