Crime

Salem man sentenced for beating girlfriend to death

John Shairs was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for the 2020 murder of his then-girlfriend, Tina Amore.

December 5, 2024

1 minute to read

A man was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for the 2020 murder of his then-girlfriend, Tina Amore, authorities announced Wednesday.

John Shairs, 55, of Salem and formerly of Beverly, is serving a prison sentence for the murder of Amore on Dec. 20, 2020, according to a statement from the Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker’s office.

At the trial, witnesses spoke about a pattern of “violent incidents” involving Shairs, the statement noted. Evidence showed that Amore died from blunt force trauma to the head, authorities said.

“It is our sincere hope that this conviction brings some peace to the family and friends of Tina Amore,” Tucker said following the jury’s verdict.

Amore, who died at 49 years old, was a graduate of Beverly High School and Johnson & Wales University and worked as a legal secretary at State Street in Boston.

Amore, a mother of two, is remembered as “someone who enjoyed helping and caring for her friends and family,” Tucker’s office said.

“Once Tina became a mom she worked more locally in various restaurants as a server,” Amore’s obituary said. “Tina had a following, and they filled her tables with loyal dinners, that adored her doting and the personal experiences she gave to each of them.”

The obituary added that Amore “loved taking care of others.”

“Tina was always happiest around family and friends,” the obituary said. “She was always generous and kind with her abilities that she thought would make someone feel good.”