An 81-year-old Melbourne woman allegedly took an axe to her son's head and suffocated him.
Erica Heddergott faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday charged with murdering her 50-year-old son William at her Greensborough home between November 14 and 16 last year.
She and her son were found by a Meals on Wheels worker, according to court documents.
There was a key in the front door Heddergott was not answering, so the worker entered and found a "farewell" note in the kitchen, the documents said.
The son was allegedly lying on the couch with a plastic bag over his head, and his mother on the lounge room floor, teary and conscious but unable to speak, with vomit on her and a small bottle of bourbon.
When the Meals on Wheels worker said an ambulance was on its way, Heddergott allegedly replied: "I don't want them".
Investigators said they found an axe partially covered by a blood-stained beanie under the lounge, as well as a cord and duct tape.
William had severe anxiety and depression and had previously lived at a supported residential facility.
Staff described him as a gentle and caring man who never got angry.
He moved home with his mother because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It's alleged Heddergott had arranged a funeral plan for William, and tried to cancel his superannuation policy and withdraw the funds ahead of time.
Heddergott's fitness to face the murder charge was in issue, Friday's committal mention was told.
During a previous virtual appearance last year, she said "I'm ill, I can't come to court".
She has been remanded to reappear on June 15 for a further committal mention.
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