BOSTON — A small Massachusetts community has come together to support a beloved local figure who has developmental disabilities after he was severely assaulted by a group of teenagers last month.
Four adolescents are facing charges related to the incident, as announced by the Essex County district attorney’s office earlier this week. The group consists of three 15-year-olds and one 14-year-old, while authorities have issued warrants for two additional minors suspected of involvement in the attack.
The victim, Christopher “Ducky” Anderson, was admitted to a nearby hospital with injuries including broken ribs after it was reported that the teenagers lured him into a wooded area where they assaulted him, kicking him and throwing a bike onto him.
Detectives from the local police department and officers from the school police collaborated closely with District Attorney Paul F. Tucker’s office to accurately identify the youths involved and ensure they are held accountable. As a standard protocol, the names of the minors have not been revealed.
Danvers Police Chief Jamie Lovell expressed his gratitude to Anderson, his family, and the broader community for their steadfast support and patience throughout this distressing situation.
In the wake of the attack, community members have shown an outpouring of support for Anderson, highlighted by visits from local firefighters and fundraising efforts, as reported by NBC10 Boston. Residents fondly recalled Anderson’s familiar presence around the town of 28,000 people.
Following the assault, residents filled a Select Board meeting, urging local law enforcement to take more action against a group of 10 to 15 teenagers in town who, as one resident put it, “run amok.” During the meeting, Anderson himself and several others voiced their concerns.
“It just breaks my heart every day,” Anderson said, battling tears before the board. “And I can’t sleep at night time. And it’s hard. Can you guys do more for me, please?”
Additionally, Anderson’s mother, Antoinette, expressed her distress and desire for immediate action regarding the teens who nearly cost her son his life. Despite her concerns, she later expressed her gratitude for the community’s response.
“I cannot believe how well they have treated him,” she shared with NBC10.