Man released from jail days before allegedly stabbing, beating Salem woman

SALEM, Mass. — A man accused of stabbing a Salem woman through the eye and beating her until she blacked out has a history of violence and had been released from jail just four days before the ruthless attack, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by FOX25.

Peter Turco, 39, of Salem, was arrested Monday night on charges related to the alleged attack.

Turco is a friend of victim Sarah Turner's ex-boyfriend, Turner's older sister told FOX25 News.

A warrant was issued for Turco's arrest Sunday night, but, when Salem police were not able to locate him, they released a "Be On The Lookout" advisory to other agencies in the region.

Turner was stabbed in the left eye and punched repeatedly after answering a knock at her door on Friday afternoon. She has not regained sight in her left eye, and may lose the eye if it does not heal well.

Turner also suffered cuts and broken bones in her hands from defending herself. Her jaw was broken and all but two of her teeth shattered to the multiple blows.

Turner told arriving officers she recognized her attacker and later identified him as Turco.

Turco had been released July 11 from the Suffolk County Jail, the police report states. He had previously been transferred among facilities including Middleton House of Correction, where Turner's ex-boyfriend is currently incarcerated, the report says.

"He and Turco are members of a jail house gang called 'Crazy White Boyz," according to the police report.

An arriving officer who found Turner "covered from head to toe in blood" reported he knows Turco well and that he "has a very violent past."

FOX25 found Turco has served time for armed robbery and assault and battery.

As Salem police continue to search for him, Turner lies in her hospital bed, broken and blind in one eye, but a survivor. Security on her hospital floor has been increased.

"She's petrified, scared that this guy's going to come back to the hospital and get her," her sister Shannon Turner said. "This person went there to kill her. If she didn't fight back, she probably would have died, and I'm just happy to still have my little sister."

Turco will be arraigned Tuesday at Salem District Court.

Shannon Turner is raising money for her sister's medical and dental bills on a GoFundMe page. 

Cox Media Group