Defendant Arraigned for Two Murders Near Salem Walmart

SALEM, Mass. – April 29, 2025 – Two deceased men, victims of alleged murder, have been identified after being found near the Walmart in Salem, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announces. Andrew Ross Guempel, 41, of Arizona was initially identified as one of the two deceased men on Saturday, April 26. The second deceased man was positively identified today as Jonathan Thompson, 42, of Oregon, Tucker confirms.

The deceased men were discovered by a man walking his dog on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 23. Salem Police responded to the call and found the two victims with signs of blunt force trauma and stab wounds in the woods next to the Walmart store located at 450 Highland Ave. in Salem.

Jay Blodget, 30, was arrested and arraigned for two counts of murder and was held without bail at an arraignment before the Hon. Randy Chapman in Salem District Court on Thursday, April 24. Prosecutor James Gubitose handled the arraignment on behalf of the Commonwealth. The defendant was represented by attorney Michael Phelan. Blodget is slated to return to court on May 28 for a probable cause hearing.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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