MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The man accused of murdering his own mother and setting fire to their Cordova home must undergo a mental evaluation, a judge ordered Wednesday.
Alexandre Kim, 22, is charged with First Degree Murder for the death of his mother, Estelle Kim.
Memphis Police wee called to the scene of a house fire on the 9000-block of Higdon Cove just after 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 7. During a search of the home firefighters discovered the body of an adult female, later identified as Estelle Kim.
The police affidavit states Alexandre Kim approached officers on the scene, telling them he had left the house earlier to get food, which was the last time he had seen her alive. Police noticed what looked like blood on his clothes and noted he was acting nervous. According to a witness, Kim arrived at the home and left a short time later wearing different clothes. About 10 minutes after he left the house was on fire.
The Shelby County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the victim's cause of death as blunt force trauma and strangulation.
Kim is scheduled to be back in court December 28.
