Sketchy Teen Attacks Artist

CUMMINGTON — A 14-year-old male faces multiple charges after he allegedly snuck into a Swift River Road home in Cummington and beat a nationally known illustrator with a shovel.

Jane Dyer, an award-winning children's book illustrator whose work has appeared in New York Times best-sellers, continues to recover from the July 26 attack, which left her with blunt-force injuries and a wound to her head requiring about five surgical staples that were removed Monday afternoon.

The teen, who was quickly arrested by Cummington police, allegedly entered the Dyers' Cummington home about 5:30 p.m. July 26. When Dyer discovered him, she said, he struck her in the back of the head with a shovel.

The teen continued to beat her while she lay on the floor trying to deflect the attack and call for help, she said.

The youth then ran off and was apprehended by Cummington police about 30 minutes later, based in part on a description she provided, Dyer said.

I sat on this for a couple of days, hoping to discover the reason for the attack.  If there is one, they are keeping it quiet.

I'm really surprised by the violence of the crime.  It seems very personal, very full of hate.  Dyer is recovering and will be fine, with the exception of a little scarring (five surgical staples = big ouch).