Friends say a man charged with murdering his elderly mother in their home in Perth battles mental illness.
Andre Drane, 54, is accused of murdering his mother inside the home in Perth's south.
Detectives allege Joan Drane, 78, could've been dead inside the Yangebup house for up to two days before neighbours alerted police.
Her body was found on Monday, Western Australia police said.
Paul Schaoenfeld said Joan Drane was like a second mum to him growing up.
And Andre Drane was a good friend who battled mental demons, he said.
"She was a lovely lady always treated us with respect and everything like that, Schaoenfeld said.
"She was always there for her family always caring took us fishing and all that.
"Last time we knew he had a few troubles but doesn't everyone,"
A neighbour called police just over a week ago claiming she was crying for help.
9News has been told it was a distressing scene that police arrived to with a disturbing amount of blood.
Officers allege Joan Drane was murdered some time in the two days before she was found dead.
Neighbours called police yesterday morning after discovering blood on their driveway.
Premier Roger Cook said it was a complex and traumatic situation.
"I'm very pleased that police are on the ground to make sure that they can reassure other members of the public in that area that they are not under any extra danger," he said.
Andre Drane appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on May 29.
