Fordham freshman Henry Wachtel was charged April 10 with the murder of his mother Karyn Kay in their Midtown apartment, according to the New York Daily News. Wachtel’s father, Edward Wachtel, is an associate professor of Communication and Media Studies at Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH).

Kay had called 911 earlier Tuesday before her death to tell police Wachtel was having a seizure and beating her, police sources told the Daily News.

Kay was found unconscious with severe trauma in her apartment on W. 55th St. and 8th Ave. when cops arrived before 9:30 a.m and pronounced dead at 1:52 p.m. She was a teacher at La Guardia High School, located at 65th St. and Amsterdam Ave.

Wachtel, age 19, has suffered from seizures and health problems in the past, the Daily News said. Wachtel’s lawyer Lloyd Epstein is claiming Wachtel’s epilepsy medication caused the fatal outburst.

Fordham University President Fr. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., appeared to address the incident with a university-wide email sent Wednesday afternoon. “It is my sad duty to inform you that a member of the student body, and the son of a Fordham faculty member, was charged last night with killing his mother, an instructor at another institution,” McShane said. “This is, of course, an unimaginable tragedy for the family, and for the University community. I ask that you afford the affected individuals as much privacy and compassion as you possibly can while they struggle with this heartbreaking burden. I know that you join with me in keeping the family in your prayers during these dark hours.”