The man accused of murdering his mother and burning the family home in Peel, N.B. was ordered to undergo a psychiatric assessment in a Woodstock courtroom on Friday.
Twenty-five-year-old Ryan Ernest Roy is facing charges of first-degree murder, arson, and break and enter.
He is charged with killing his mother, 52-year-old Phyllis Roy, whose remains were found in the charred rubble of the house, north of Hartland, N.B.
Roy said nothing as he was lead into court.
While police said they believe the fire was deliberately set, the cause of the mother’s death has yet to be determined.
Defence lawyer Ed Derrah said the mental health assessment is necessary “to ensure that he is fit to stand trial and that he is criminally responsible for whatever actions.”
Derrah told the court Ryan Roy appears to have been abusing prescription drugs for more than 10 years.
During the days leading up to the alleged incident Roy was taken to hospital, exhibiting signs of sleep deprivation and paranoia, Derrah said.
Members of the Roy family were in court on Friday, but declined to comment.
Roy is scheduled to return to court in April, when the results of the psychiatric assessment are expected.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Andy Campbell
