The suspect, who has not been named by authorities because of his age, was arraigned in Franklin-Hampshire Juvenile Court.
Jane DyerNORTHAMPTON – Children’s book illustrator Jane Dyer is known for her peaceful, idyllic scenes, but she recently experienced a night of terror.
Dyer, 63, was attacked by a 14-year-old boy in her Cummington home on July 26, she said. She said she first saw the teenager late in the afternoon standing with a shovel at the bottom of her driveway. The boy apparently entered the house and was waiting when Dyer, who was home alone, went back inside.
The boy surprised Dyer, hitting her in the head with the shovel and continuing to beat her as she lay on the floor, she said. Dyer said she pleaded with the youth to stop, telling him she is a grandmother. The boy finally stopped hitting her and ran off, she said.
Dyer received treatment for wounds to her head. She did not wish to discuss the incident in detail on Tuesday but said she is home and feeling better.
The suspect, who has not been named by authorities because of his age, was arraigned on July 27 in Franklin-Hampshire Juvenile Court. He is charged with home invasion, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60 and armed assault with intent to murder.
The defendant is being held on an unspecified amount of bail. In a prepared statement, Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan extended his sympathy to Dyer and wished her a speedy recovery.
“The office will make every effort to ensure that safety of all concerned and the community,” Sullivan said.
Along with Barry Moser and Eric Carle, Dyer is part of a highly esteemed group of illustrators who make their home in the Pioneer Valley. She has illustrated some 50 books, including “Lucky and Squash,” which was written by Northampton writer Jeanne Birdsall. She also collaborates with her daughter, Brooke Dyer. Dyer’s original artwork is on display at R. Michelson Gallery in Northampton.
Gallery owner Richard Michelson said Tuesday that Dyer is just like her books.
“She’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met,” he said.
Michelson began showing Dyer’s work years ago as part of his effort to promote illustrative art. The arrangement has been mutually beneficial.
“She and Barry Moser did more than anyone to bring attention to our gallery as a center for book illustrators,” he said. “She’s one of our most requested artists.”
Michelson, the city’s Poet Laureate and himself a children’s book author, said he was shocked when he heard about the incident. Cummington Police Chief Dennis Forgea could not be reached for more information about the boy on Tuesday.