On Monday, January 17th, the man accused of second-degree murder in his mother's death appeared in Calgary provincial court. 

20-year-old Alexander James Thorpe of Airdrie was present with Duty Counsel in Calgary. Duty counsel is a service meant to provide, "legal advice and assistance at court appearances for individuals who do not have legal representation."

Duty counsel adjourned the hearing till February 14th, 2022. Thorpe will appear in Airdrie Criminal Appearance Court (CAC) on that day. 

Thorpe is accused of murder in the second degree of 48-year-old Melanie Lowen. Social media posts have identified that the victim was Thorpe's mother. 

Corporal Tammy Keibel, Media Relations Officer with the Southern Alberta District said that the victim and the accused are known to each other, but that the RCMP would not provide further details. 

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