Erica Heddergott, 81, charged with son’s alleged murder at Greensborough house

An 81-year-old woman charged with the alleged murder of her son at the family’s Greensborough home has told a court “i’m ill” over the phone from her hospital bed.

The alleged murder took place in a quiet street in Greensborough. Picture: Jason Edwards

An elderly woman accused of killing her son with an axe has been described as a doting mother.

Erica Heddergott, 81, on Friday faced court charged with the murder of son William, 50.

The Herald Sun has learned Mr Heddergott, who lived with his mum in Greensborough, had a long history of debilitating depression and social anxiety, which made him a recluse.

Loved ones were struggling to comprehend the incident.

Melissa Wanden, a carer who worked with the family, said the mother and son were always close.

William Heddergott body was found in Palmyra Court about 11:30am on Monday Picture: Jason Edwards

“This is so tragic, they adored one another,” she said.

“He was lovely, a gentleman. She absolutely doted over him. They took great care of each other.

“His mum was desperately trying to get him out of the house. She just wanted to see him happy. He did not have it easy in life. Once you got him talking, he was a lovely guy but so very shy.”

Police allege Ms Heddergott murdered her son sometime between November 14 and 16. His body was found at their Palmyra Court home on Monday.

Ms Heddergott used a phone to dial into Melbourne Magistrates’ Court from her bed at the Austin Hospital.

“Hello,” she could repeatedly be heard saying as the court connected to her.

Magistrate Mia Stylianou explained to Ms Heddergott the hearing was simply to set down future dates for her case.

Her lawyer, Charles Nikakis, told the court she would likely remain at the hospital “for some time” as she was suffering mental health issues.

The case was adjourned to March 26.

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