Medium.com Writer Fatally Beats & Stabs Three People

Christopher Ferguson, a former writer on Medium.com, was found not competent to stand trial in the June 2023 murders of three people. The 41-year-old from Newton, MA, allegedly stabbed and beat to death 73-year-old Gilda D'Amore and her husband, 74-year-old Bruno, and Gilda's mother, 97-year-old Lucia Arpino. The tragic incident occurred inside the family's home.

Dead Bodies Found in Home

The bodies were discovered by a family friend on the morning of June 25, 2023. Bruno and Gilda had plans to renew their wedding vows that day, which marked their 50th anniversary.

Investigators canvassed the neighborhood for the killer(s) or any evidence that could lead them to the responsible parties. During the search, they found a pair of boots on a porch that did not belong to the residents, a suitcase at another house, and a backpack at a third home.

The backpack contained Ferguson's identification card and other identifying documents. The boots were the same size as a bloody footprint police recovered from the crime scene -and the same color and style as a pair Ferguson owned.

Neighbors provided video footage showing a man with a "staggering gait" without shoes or a shirt, headed toward the D'Amore home. Officers viewing the tape recognized the man as Christopher Ferguson. Police arrested him on charges of murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and burglary. He was transferred from jail to Bridgewater State Hospital.

A History of Mental Illness

Ferguson's sister reported that he began acting 'erratically" after splitting from his girlfriend and losing his job at Whole Foods in January 2023.

He had a history of mental illness and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder 20 years earlier. His family had called authorities due to his behavior several times and "begged" them to commit him under the Baker Act. At least once, officers requested an emergency health evaluation and sent him to St. Elizabeth's Medical Center for a 72-hour evaluation.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings of mania and depression. The mood shifts suddenly, affecting judgment, energy levels, activities, and focus. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that around 7 million Americans live with bipolar disorder.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of episode.

Manic symptoms include:

• Elevated mood
• Increased irritability
• Increased energy
• Impulsiveness

• Engaging in risky behavior

• Decreased need for sleep
• Racing thoughts
• Fast speech

Depressive episodes are marked by symptoms like:

• Extreme sadness
• Negative thoughts
• Low-energy
• Fatigue
• Little interest in socializing or activities

• Feelings of worthlessness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite

In 2005, Ferguson was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery and ordered to undergo substance and mental health treatment. The charge was later dismissed.

In November 2020, Ferguson described the ups and downs and trials and tribulations of his life with bipolar disorder in a post on Medium. The story has 11 minutes of total reading time and is the sole post under his name.

Not Competent to Stand Trial

In August 2023, a judge ruled Ferguson " not competent" to stand trial. He returned to Bridgewater State Hospital. Prosecutors said his competency will be re-evaluated 'every six months or so' until he regains competency to stand trial. He remains hospitalized.

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