A teenager suspected of murdering his mother Sunday night in the South Shore community of Ste. Julie appeared briefly at the Longueuil courthouse Tuesday afternoon and was charged with second-degree murder.

The boy did not enter a plea, and will remain in custody at a youth centre until his next court date, which is scheduled for July 16.

The 15-year-old called police Monday morning from his cell phone, and said there was a woman's body at the family home on Albert-Lauzeau St.

When police arrived at the residence, they found the boy's 45-year-old mother.

"They sent the woman to the hospital, where the death was confirmed," said Pierre Tremblay of the Regie Intermunicipale de police du Richelieu St-Laurent.

The young suspect was arrested.

There were no obvious marks of violence on the woman's body.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Teen had problems with drugs: neighbours

Neighbours who spoke to CTV said they knew the teen suspect was troubled.

"I know that the boy sometimes had problems with drugs," said neighbour Chantal Bedard.

Bedard added that he had been living in a drug rehabilitation centre in the area, and was allowed to go home on weekend passes.