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Royal Oak Man Facing Life In Prison After Fire At Home Kills His Mother

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - A Royal Oak man is facing life in prison after being charged with murder in connection with the death of his mother.

Timothy Beetschen
Timothy Beetschen (Booking Photo)

Timothy Beetschen, 50, has been arraigned on charges of open murder and arson in connection with the death of Maxine Hadley, his mother.

Police say Hadley had called 911, telling police her son was threatening to blow up her home.

When police and fire departments arrived they found Hadley dead in the basement of her burning home early Friday morning.

Neighbor Matthew Bainter told WWJ that he was drinking with the son when he the man became belligerent and started the fire.

Bainter says he ran to try to warn the mother, but there was an explosion and they were thrown through the living room.

Hadley's death was a ruled a homicide.

Beetschen, was found at the home trying to douse the flames with a garden hose; he suffered burns on his legs, and was taken to an area hospital.

He is due back in court on June 6th.

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