Waltham Attacker Victim's DNA Found On Accused Man's Bloody Boots

WALTHAM, MA —The Waltham man police say is responsible for the 11 unprovoked attacks across Waltham last fall on unsuspecting men was arraigned Wednesday morning.

Clauvens Janvier's court-appointed attorney entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of him, while he remained hidden.

During the arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Dunigan said during a separate investigation police found blood on boots in Janvier's blue Saab. After having them tested against DNA swabs of the 11 victims, authorities said the DNA in the blood on the boots matched one of the victim's DNA.

Janvier, 24, of Waltham, was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing to be held April 1. His image was kept hidden throughout the arraignment via Zoom after his attorney argued it could unfairly impact his case.

The arraignment comes less than a week after he was indicted on more than 20 counts related to the surprise attacks in November.

Authorities said they have no sense of what motivated Janvier to commit the attacks. There were no racial or age profiles that fit the victims, police said.

Authorities said between Nov. 12 and Nov. 27, Janvier hid under cover of darkness between 5:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. before attacking unsuspecting men around the city, sending many of them to the hospital with serious injuries to the head and face. One of the victims was a postal carrier, police and the prosecutor said. Janvier ran off in each case without stealing anything.

Police on Dec. 1 announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the assailant, and the attacks stopped.

The first few attacks happened at the Gardencrest apartment complex, while other attacks happened downtown near Chestnut and Charles streets.

Janvier was arrested Dec. 11 in connection with a shooting reported on Willow Street on Nov. 11. He was in custody when police said they linked him to the attacks.

Janvier faces a litany of charges including, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of ammunition, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's office.

• Previously: Waltham Attacks: Man Charged, 'Reign Of Terror' Over