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Woman Dies After Amesbury Stabbing; Son Charged With Murder

AMESBURY (CBS) – A 65-year-old woman stabbed at an Amesbury on Saturday died. Authorities charged 27-year-old John Brittan with killing his mother, Barbara Diehl-Peirce.

The Essex District Attorney's office said Brittan also stabbed his step-father, who is now at a New Hampshire hospital recovering from his injuries.

The incident occurred on Chester Street just after 4 p.m. Saturday.

amesbury murder
The scene of a murder in Amesbury. (WBZ-TV)

The community is shocked by the violence.

"Individuals that are on the edge and something triggers them, you know, now you've got mother murdered, father in the hospital, it's very sad," said Brian Roy.

Brittan is expected to be arraigned Monday in Newbury District Court on charges of murder, assault & battery on a person over 60, and assault with intent to murder.

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