The lawyer of a man charged in the death of his mother says his client is not criminally responsible. (Image: Canadian Press)

By The Canadian Press

Not Guilty Plea

Alberta man not criminally responsible for mother’s death, court told

Oct 20, 2022 | 3:53 PM

AIRDRIE, AB – The lawyer of a man charged in the death of his mother says his client is not criminally responsible.

Alexander James Thorpe pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in a Calgary court on Thursday, October 20, 2022.

Thorpe was charged earlier this year after the body of his mother, Melanie Lowen, was found in a home in Airdrie, Alta., north of Calgary, in January.

Police were called when Thorpe was found to be in medical distress at a nearby car dealership.

Court has heard that two employees of the dealership saw Thorpe walking through the service shop naked, while occasionally holding a cell phone up to his ear.

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When approached, they testified that he appeared confused, told them God loved them, and wanted to buy a used car.

Before RCMP arrested him, one employee said dried blood could be seen on Thorpe’s hairline, his hand, and his ankle.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2022.