NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — A 21-year-old Provencal man is facing a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the death of his 55-year-old mother, who was discovered in an oxidation pond near her house.

The Town Talk reports James McMahon had alerted a sibling that their mother was missing Thursday.

The sibling and friends began a search around the home, but found nothing. The family reported the disappearance to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office, which began a search.

Searchers found the body of Phyllis McMahon in the pond. James McMahon was arrested and booked with second-degree murder.

Authorities say a physical altercation occurred between the mother and son, resulting in the mother's death.

James McMahon is being held in the Natchitoches Detention Center.

It could not be determined whether McMahon has an attorney.

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