The Newton residents who were randomly attacked and killed inside their home died from “sharp and blunt force injuries,” according to the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Gilda “Jill” D’Amore, 73, her husband Bruno D’Amore, 74, and Gilda’s mother, Lucia Arpino, 97, were the victims of last week’s triple homicide in Newton’s quiet Nonantum neighborhood.
When 41-year-old Christopher Ferguson was arrested in connection with the triple homicide last Monday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner had only ruled on the cause of death for Gilda — which was multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma.
Now, the Medical Examiner’s Office has released the cause of death for Bruno and Arpino. The office ruled that Bruno died from multiple sharp and blunt force injuries, and Arpino died from sharp and blunt force injuries. Both were homicides, the office determined.
Ferguson has been charged with murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and burglary.
The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office had noted last week that additional charges were possible, depending on the autopsies of the other victims. As of Monday afternoon, no new charges had been reported from the Middlesex DA’s Office.
Last Sunday morning, a person known to the family called 911 to report that the three victims were dead inside their Newton home. She had gone to check on the victims after they did not arrive at church to celebrate the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary.
The investigation suggested that there were signs of forced entry into the home, including broken glass and missing screens at the basement windows. Forensic specialists from the Massachusetts Crime Scene Section were able to collect a variety of forensic evidence.
As part of the investigation, police were able to positively match a footprint left in the home to Ferguson. Footprints, like fingerprints, are unique. Police said the triple homicide appeared to be a random act.
On Monday, Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Newton announced that the funeral for Gilda, Bruno, and Arpino will be on Thursday morning.
“Please continue to keep Jill, Bruno, and Lucia in your prayers, along with all of those who mourn this terrible loss,” the church’s Collaborative Staff wrote.
Gilda, Bruno, and Arpino were all born in Italy, according to their obituaries.
“Lucia (Arpino) and (her late husband) Alberto emigrated from Italy circa 1960 and built their lives in Newton, Massachusetts,” the obituary for Arpino reads.
The D’Amores owned a beauty salon for a number of years. Even after they sold the salon, Gilda continued to be the family hairdresser. She then worked in retail, staying at the same store for more than 30 years.
Bruno also owned a car wash business and later a shoe store franchise. He then became a professional driver.
Visiting hours will be held in Our Lady’s Church on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be at Our Lady’s on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
