Son charged in beating death of 79-year-old mother

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Authorities in North Carolina say a man has been arrested and charged with murder in the beating death of his 79-year-old mother.

Iredell County deputies told news outlets that 55-year-old Michael Frye was taken into custody early Tuesday morning.

Deputies say Barbara Frye died Monday a few hours after she was found beaten in her Mooresville home.

Family members say she was frail and was battling cancer.

Deputies did not give a motive for the killing. It wasn't known if Frye has a lawyer.