Easton Teen Charged With Shooting Mom In The Back

A 17-year-old Easton youth has been ordered 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.

A not-guilty plea was entered on behalf of Matthey Worster 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 Spartachino, had recently divorced her husband and the teen moved in with his dad.

Police received a call Wednesday night reporting the victim was missing. An investigation led to Worster's arrest hours later and discovery of his mom's body early Thursday.

A state police bomb squad was called in after officers found gunpowder and other dangerous materials at the home.