Heartbreak: Elderly couple celebrating 50th anniversary murdered in Boston area home

An elderly couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and a relative in their 90s were found dead in their Massachusetts home over the weekend, authorities said. 

The victims were discovered stabbed and bludgeoned to death in their home in Newton, Massachusetts, near Boston, after a friend went to check up on them when they did not show up for their usual church service, according to the Newton Police Department.

The victims include the couple, who were in their 70s and were celebrating their golden anniversary that weekend, and the wife’s 97-year-old mother, who lived with them. Members of the local church, Our Lady Help of Christians, identified the victims on behalf of their families. 

"Jill and Bruno D'Amore and Jill's mother Lucia Arpino lost their lives in a senseless act of violence," the church said in a letter. "Many in our faith community are grieving this great loss. We ask for your prayers for them, most especially for their three children and their five grandchildren."

A preliminary investigation found evidence suggesting that the suspect or suspects forced their way into their home. Police believe the killing was a “random” act of violence. 

By Monday evening, police announced the arrest of 41-year-old Christopher Ferguson. He was charged with murder. 

The same day as the killing, there was an attempted home break-in at a residence about half a mile from the elderly couple’s home. It is unclear if the attempted burglary is connected to the homicides. However, police are investigating the matter. 

"This is the night to lock your doors and windows," Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said at a news conference Sunday night. "We are asking people if they hear or see something suspicious, please call the Newton police immediately."