Mother charged with murder

Associated Press · September 28, 1961

Mrs. Phyllis (Staphinski) Mello, 23, of 85 Merrick St., Worcester, was held without bail this morning (left) on a charge of murdering her son, Raymond Gurney, 4 1/2. In critical condition as City hospital is another son, Craig, 3. Mrs. Mello, accused of beating the boys, breaks down at hospital (center). At right, Paul V. Toney, 19, a Micmac Indian, charged with assault and battery on the children and misconduct with Mrs. Mello.