Harley James Jeffries was silent as he stood in court on Tuesday accused of murdering his mother in Byford at the weekend.
Bouquets laid by family, friends and neighbours on the corner of Gallipoli Avenue and Larimar Parade mark the place where 61-year-old Evette Verney stumbled while trying to find help after the attack on Sunday night.
By the time police arrived just after 7pm, she had already passed away.
Police are exploring the possibility Evette’s 33-year-old son bludgeoned his mum with a heavy kitchen item.
There are reports a young girl, likely the granddaughter of Ms Verney, witnessed the violence.
Media are reporting it was that young girl who called police for help.
Police say Mr Jeffries fled the scene of his crime in a silver Peugeot.
An alert was put out, and officers sighted the vehicle on The Great Northern, north of Bindoon, shortly after 9pm.
Police gave chase and allegedly cornered Mr Jeffries with a ‘tyre deflation device’ about 100km up the road at Bindi Bindi.
Police allege Mr Jeffries acted aggressively, lunging at police with a weapon, before being subdued by a taser.
He was arrested and charged with one count of murder.
He appeared under guard at Armadale Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday where his matter was adjourned to Stirling Gardens in July.
The extended community woke to the shocking news on Monday morning, which was supposed to be a day of celebration.
“My thoughts go out to all those impacted by last night’s tragedy. Please reach out to your loved ones and check that they’re OK,” local member Hugh Jones said.
In a press conference on Tuesday morning, Premier Roger Cook labelled the murder a “dreadful, violent case of family and domestic violence”.
“Our hearts go out to that family,” he said.
“That young girl who actually appears to have witnessed that event must be incredibly traumatised.”
Evette Verney is one of four Australian women allegedly killed at the hands of men over the weekend.
