MOORESVILLE — Authorities found a Mooresville man wanted for the murder of his mother asleep inside a China Grove home.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office was looking for Michael Frye, 55, of the 300 block of Alexander Acres since discovering his mother, Barbara Allen Frye, with severe head injuries at the home. Responders went to the home after caller Bonita Brown Smith, who also lives at the home, found Barbara Frye in her bedroom with “massive head trauma,” a statement said.

Deputies learned Michael Frye lived at the home, but was not there. His 2004 Toyota Rav4 was also missing.

Smith said Michael and his mother had an argument July 24 about whether she was supposed to give him a ride to Salisbury for a court appearance for a traffic violation. According to Bonita Smith, it was “unusual that Michael would leave without letting someone know,” the statement said.

Officials issued a bulletin for an attempt to locate Michael Frye. His mother, Barbara Frye, had died as a result of her injuries at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

Authorities asked for the public’s help in locating Michael Frye and eventually received a call, which aided in the location of Michael Frye. He was found at 2630 Old Beatty Ford Road in China Grove. He stayed at a friend’s home.

He refused to answer detectives’ questions. Frye was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he remains under no bond. Detectives recovered his car and interviewed people at the China Grove home where he was arrested.

Officials say the investigation continues and anyone with information is asked to contact the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office at 704-878-3180.