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. 

On Jan. 14, Airdrie RCMP responded to a 911 call of a male in medical distress at a business in northeast Airdrie. 

Emergency Medical Services attended the scene and assessed the male. As a result of the investigation, a well-being check was done at a residence in Airdrie. The Airdrie woman was discovered deceased, and her death was investigated. 

In a May 2019 social media post, Lowen congratulated Alex Thorpe, who had been featured in a Discover Airdrie article. She wrote, "Congrats Alex Thorpe! We are amazed by this incredible achievement. Keep up the great work!"

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.