In Massachusetts, a man is accused of fatally shooting his mother multiple times in her own home, after reportedly claiming he would inherit the property “dead or alive,” as per police reports. Authorities discovered the victim with her face enveloped in paper towels and her body wrapped in a comforter.

Assistant District Attorney Paige Timko shared details during Anthony Nunez-Romano’s court arraignment on Monday, as covered by local ABC affiliate WCVB. The 26-year-old faces charges including murder, illegal firearm possession, and tampering with a firearm’s serial number, following the alleged murder of his mother, Dominga Romano, 55, at her Methuen residence on December 29.

Timko noted, “Her body was cold to the touch,” indicating the time lapse since the incident.

Relatives and witnesses informed police that Nunez-Romano had been diagnosed with autism and schizophrenia and was reportedly fixated on inheriting his mother’s home. Romano, a beloved Spanish teacher in the community, was described by those who knew her as a “really good woman” in interviews with WCVB and other local news sources.

A family friend expressed disbelief upon learning of Romano’s death, saying, “It can’t be. It just can’t be.” Police discovered her body during a wellness check prompted by concerns for her safety.

During the investigation, Nunez-Romano allegedly told authorities his mother had been shot through a window. Investigators later found a firearm in a kitchen drawer and spent shell casings near his wallet, according to prosecutors.

Romano was found on the second floor of her house, where Nunez-Romano also lived. She had gunshot wounds to her hip and neck.

During the investigation, family and witnesses described Nunez-Romano as someone who had a history of acting “aggressive” and “unstable.” A cousin alleged that his obsession with his mother’s home resulted in him pressuring her to transfer ownership to him, local NBC affiliate WBTS reports.

Family told the Spanish television station Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra that they hadn’t heard from Romano since Saturday before the wellness check was conducted Monday. They reported being nervous that Nunez-Romano had done something to her.

At his arraignment, a relative was caught on camera shouting at Nunez-Romano as he was in the courtroom. “Yo Anthony, what’s up? What’s up?!” the person screamed, according to WCVB.

Nunez-Romano pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause hearing on Feb. 20. He was ordered held without bail.