One of three San Luis Obispo County defendants currently charged with murdering their mothers pleaded no contest Tuesday to second-degree murder.

Michael Bret Van Heuver of Los Osos will be sentenced in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court on March 19. Van Heuver assaulted his mother, 56-year-old Lisa Ann Van Heuver, in April 2012. A month later, the victim was taken off life support, and her son was charged with premeditated murder.

A family member told The Tribune then that Michael Van Heuver had substance-abuse issues, and Lisa Van Heuver was trying to help him get his life on track. A representative of the Sheriff’s Office said deputies had previously been called to the home where Michael Van Heuver lived with his mother to respond to his mental health issues.

In the house, Lisa Van Heuver had posted several messages of positive reinforcement to encourage her son.

Lisa Van Heuver was retired after working as a contractor and computer technician.

Michael Van Heuver had previous arrests for being drunk in public and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Another defendant charged with murdering his mother in San Luis Obispo, Christopher Shumey, is currently on trial. Sunni Jackson, charged with murdering her mother in Paso Robles, is currently deemed incompetent to stand trial.