Son charged with murder of 85-year-old mother in Huonville

A 55-year-old southern Tasmanian man has been charged with murdering his 85-year-old mother at their house in Huonville early this morning.

Tasmania Police Detective Inspector David Gill said police and paramedics were called to the Stride Street house about 4.30am after a Triple Zero (000) call was made from the address.

"Upon attending and after speaking to one male occupant in the house, the death was deemed suspicious and a crime scene was declared," Inspector Gill said.

"At the address a 55-year-old male was taken into custody and conveyed to the Hobart Police Station.

The man has been detained in custody and was expected to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court tomorrow.

"Ultimately the coroner will determine the cause of death with the assistance of the pathologist, but we will be alleging that she was smothered by her son."

He said the woman was found in her bed.

Inspector Gill said the woman had lived at the address with her two sons for "many years".

He said the woman's other son was at the house at the time, but was not believed to be involved in the alleged murder.

Inspector Gill said the alleged murder would not be considered a family violence incident under Tasmanian law.

"Under the Family Violence Act there's a definition of what constitutes a significant relationship and mothers and sons or fathers and daughters do not come into that assessment," he said.

Inspector Gill said the woman had "healthcare needs", and that she was "frail and not in good health".

He said he believed the son charged with her murder had lived with his mother his whole life, and had been her carer "for a number of years".

Investigators and forensics officers have been at the house today and Inspector Gill said investigations into the death were continuing.