A Howell Township man is accused of stabbing his mother to death while she slept, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Authorities say Howell Township police officers were called to a home on Porter Road around 1:30 a.m. Monday for reports of a stabbing. The officers found Robert Parody, 25, and took him into custody.

Loretta Parody, 61, was taken to the hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead.

Officials say Robert Parody went into his mother’s bedroom in the middle of the night and stabbed her in the chest while she was asleep. He was charged with first-degree murder and related weapons offenses.