A Fall River man is charged with killing his mother and abusing his disabled siblings.

Gregg Miliote, a spokesman with the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, says that indictments were handed down last Friday against 56-year-old Antonio Branco.

His mother, 78-year-old Maria Branco, was admitted to St. Anne’s Hospital on April 9 with numerous wounds to her back, shoulders, buttocks, knees and ankles.

In addition Miliote says her legs were severely contracted and no longer able to bend at the knee.

Bristol Elder Services was contacted and they in turn contacted Fall River Police.

Officers responded to the scene and learned the victim had two adult daughters indentified only as a 56-year-old female and a 49-year-old female, who are said to have significant mental disabilities.

Police then went to check on the mutual home of the parties located at 77 Holden St. in Fall River.

Upon arrival officers found the sisters to be locked in the home.

Miliote says it appears that the older sister was beaten as she had black, bloodied, and swollen eyes.

The younger sister was also found to have injuries particularly to her hand.

The older sister told police that her brother, Antonio Branco hit her causing the injuries, and that he frequently hits her.

She was subsequently transported to Rhode Island Hospital due to the extent of her injuries and doctors say both sisters were in very poor physical condition.

Maria Branco eventually succumbed to her injuries and died on April 13.

“The allegations in the indictment are extremely disturbing," said District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III "I will continue to focus on instances of elder abuse in Bristol County. Elders have helped to make this country great and should be treated with respect and dignity. I look forward to proving these allegations in court.”

The defendant, Antonio Branco, is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.

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