A 22-year-old King Township man who has been charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his mother made a brief court appearance on Tuesday.

Andrew Simon Roelink wore a white jumpsuit in a Newmarket, Ont., courtroom on the charge of first-degree murder.

Police and paramedics were called to a home on a quiet country road near Sideroad 17 and Dufferin Street in King Township at about 7:45 p.m., where a woman had reportedly suffered a slashed throat.

Hilda Roelink, 58, was taken to Southlake Regional Health Centre where she succumbed to her injuries. She was the region's first homicide of 2012.

Neighbours told CTV Toronto that they were shocked and that the Roelink family were quiet and kept to themselves.

"He was always polite. I remember speaking with him a few times. There weren't any signs or anything," said Jaclyn Casey, who grew up next door.

Police said a suspect was arrested at the scene but the investigation would continue as officers pieced together what happened inside the house.

CTV Toronto reported that on New Year's Eve, Andrew was arrested under the Mental Health Act and taken to Southlake Regional Health Centre. He was held overnight before being released.

Andrew Roelink was remanded into custody until Friday, Jan. 6. He was also ordered not to contact two family members who are listed as witnesses.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Tamara Cherry