A 25-year-old man accused of murdering his mother and burning the family home in Peel, N.B. has pleaded guilty.

The remains of 52-year-old Phyllis Roy were found in the charred rubble of her home north of Hartland, N.B. in March.

Her son, Ryan Ernest Roy, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, arson and break and enter.

Defence lawyer Ed Derrah told the court in March that Ryan Roy appeared to have been abusing prescription drugs for more than 10 years.

In the days leading up to his mother’s death, Roy was taken to hospital after exhibiting signs of sleep deprivation and paranoia, Derrah said.

Ryan Roy pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder on Thursday, prompting Phyllis Roy’s family to issue the following statement:

In March, our family was heartbroken when we lost our beloved Phyllis.  Phyllis was a loving person who touched the lives of many people, especially her family and friends. We miss her every day.  

It is difficult for anyone to lose a family member at any time. Our grief has been compounded by the tragic circumstances surrounding Phyllis's death.  We greatly appreciate those in the community who have extended their kindness, thoughts and prayers to us during this difficult time.  We want to thank the RCMP for their professionalism and compassion throughout their investigation. We also want to thank the members of the media who have respected our request for privacy as our family continues to deal with this tragedy.

With a guilty plea now coming out, another chapter has been closed.  This development reopens a lot of emotions and many of us are spending the day reflecting on Phyllis’s life and continuing to try to make sense of it all.

Throughout it all, what brings smiles to our faces and love in our hearts, are the many fond memories we have of Phyllis. Her love and commitment to her family were an inspiration to us all.  We will always remember her as a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Friend and we will live our lives by her example.

Ryan Roy is scheduled to be sentenced in January.