Son Who Reportedly Tried to Blow Up Mother's Home Held Without Bond

Timothy Donald Beetschen, 50, is being held without bond on murder and arson charges in Friday’s death of his mother, Maxine Hadley, 69.

Royal Oak police were called to Hadley’s home in the 1700 block of North Altadena Avenue about 1 a.m. by the victim, who said her son was trying to blow up the house. When authorities arrived, the house was in flames and Beetschen was trying to douse it with a garden hose.

Beetschen was arraigned before Judge Derek Meinecke Saturday in 44th District Court on one count of open murder and one count of first-degree arson. Both charges carry a life sentence.

Beetschen’s next court date is June 6.

Police officers initially responding to the emergency were forced back by the heat of the flames. When firefighters wearing protective gear arrived, they discovered Hadley’s body in the basement, where authorities believe the fire started.