Easton Teen Accused Of Shooting Mom, Burying Body In Yard
EASTON (CBS/AP) - A 17-year-old from Easton is being held on $500,000 bail for allegedly shooting his mother in the back and burying her body in a shallow grave in her back yard.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports
Podcast
Matthew Worster pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Taunton District Court on Thursday on a charge of armed assault with intent to murder.
Prosecutors say autopsy results will determine if charges will be upgraded to murder.
His mother, 42-year-old Beth Spartichino, had recently divorced her husband and Worster moved in with his father. Prosecutors say it appears Spartichino was shot in the back.
Police received a call Wednesday night reporting Spartichino was missing.
WBZ-TV's Peg Rusconi reports.
Anita Atamanczuk last saw Sparticino in the Wednesday morning class at her Zass fitness studio in Weymouth.
"She was happy Wednesday morning, we were thinking she was moving so good, she was full of energy Wednesday," said Atamanczuk.
It's the last place Spartichino was seen alive. After her workout, prosecutors say she had plans to meet her 17-year old son Matthew Worster.
An investigation led to Worster's arrest hours later and the discovery of his mother's body in a shallow grave behind the family's property early Thursday.
A state police bomb squad was called in after officers found gunpowder and other dangerous materials at the home.
Prosecutors say Worcester pulled the trigger, telling his younger brother they'd be better off, and telling his father he did something he had to do.
"We knew she was having problems with the family but never got too deep into what it was," said Atamanczuk.
According to court papers, Spartichino had been going through a divorce. A year ago, she told police her estranged husband "threatened to chop me up into pieces and bury me in many places over our property." She was granted an emergency restraining order. In the attached affidavit, she also wrote, "I fear for my children's emotional health. I believe they are being poisoned emotionally because my husband wants me dead."
The restraining order expired. Spartichino's now ex-husband is not charged in her death.
Meanwhile, Spartichino's friends grieve for her and her sons including Matthew.
"If only he knew how much his mom loved him. She loved her boys," said Margaret DiFazio.
Spartichino's mother released a statement saying Beth would wish to be remembered most for her love for her three children.
WBZ-TV's Peg Rusconi contributed to this report.
(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
