Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Danvers Police Chief Jamie Lovell recently announced the indictment of four teenagers in the assault of Chris Anderson, a man with special needs, near Holten Richmond Middle School on October 12. Known as "Ducky" in the community, Anderson suffered serious injuries and required hospitalization, according to NBC10 Boston.
Anderson was allegedly lured into a wooded area near Plains Park where he was then surrounded and attacked by the group of six juveniles, who are accused to have viciously kicked him and to have thrown a bicycle on him. Following thorough investigations, a grand jury returned indictments against the teens, including two 15-year-old Danvers residents, a 14-year-old from the same town, and a 15-year-old from Lawrence. Massachusetts law prevents the indictment of juveniles under the age of 14, which accounts for the age of the indicted parties. According to a report from WHDH, additional warrants have also been issued for two other juveniles involved in the assault.
The legal process has been ongoing."I'm so proud of the police what they did," Anderson said in the days after the incident, a sentiment shared by many in town. His mother, Antoinette Anderson, also expressed gratitude, telling NBC10 Boston, "I cannot believe how well they have treated him."
"I would like to thank Chris Anderson, his family, and our entire community for their unwavering support, patience and understanding during this challenging process, which has been truly commendable," Danvers Police Chief Jamie Lovell stated, as reported by NBC10 Boston.
