Easton Teen Arraigned on Charges in Mother's Murder

Matthew Worster, 17, was arraigned for armed assault with intent to murder Thursday afternoon and is being held on $500,000 cash bail.

The arraignment came after a nearly 24-hour search and excavation of the Easton family's backyard on 7 Union St.  that resulted in the finding of the body of Worster's mother, Beth Spartachino, buried in a four feet deep, three by nine feet grave. According to a Bristol County Prosecutor Bill McCauley, she had what appeared to be gun wounds in her back and the grave appeared to have been dug previously.

The body was transported to a lab in Boston for further investigation. McCauley said he believes gun shot wounds to the back of the body will be confirmed and Worster's charges will be changed from "intent to murder" to "murder."

Worster pleaded not guilty in Taunton District Court Thursday afternoon and his next court date is set for June 10.

His attorney, Joe Krowski Jr. said the prosecution didn't have strong evidence at this time, such as any eye witnesses, weapons used, or forensic evidence.

McCauley said a footprint was found near Spartachino's grave that matched the shoe of Worster.

Spartachino was last seen alive leaving for the gym Wednesday morning before meeting with Matthew for lunch, McCauley said.

According to McCauley, Worster's father, Michael Worster received a voicemail from his son on his mother's phone Wednesday afternoon saying that "he had done something and he did it because it was something he had to do."

After the police arrived to the Union Street residence, Worster arrived with his grandmother and was taken into custody at approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday, Easton Police Chief said.

McCauley said Worster had become increasingly bitter after his mother separated from his father approximately a year ago. He cited an instance where Worster told his mother she "would be better off dead."

The prosecutor said Worster's younger brother told investigators that his older brother told him he had shot their mother and "they are all going to be better off."

Throughout the search for the body Thursday, neighbors gathered in front of the Union Street house where the mother had lived.

John Falzone, a nearby Washington Street resident, whose son was friends with Worster described him as a "good kid." He said the Worster family lived in the three first houses on the south side of Union Street, including number seven. Matthew Worster's father, Michael, lived in the house next door where Matthew spent much of his time.

"It's sad," he said. "We don't have much stuff happen like this in Easton."

Peter Cali, also a neighbor on Washington Street, said he was surprised to hear the news. He said the area was generally a good neighborhood.

"I saw the cops here last night," he said. "I thought it was just a car accident."

According to Southeastern Regional superintendent Luis Lopes, Worster had been a student at High School until October of 2010. Lopes said faculty and staff at the school are providing resources for students who may be "adversely affected."

"The faculty and staff at Southeastern Regional put the safety and well-being of our students first," Lopes said in a statement Thursday. "Our focus at this time is on supporting our students and maintaining a safe and nurturing learning environment."