MONTREAL (CP) _ A man has been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of an 81-year-old nun.

Martin Rondeau, 31, will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Sept. 26.

Sister Estelle Lauzon was found beaten to death on Monday.

She worked in a community centre annexed to her convent and helped people who suffered from drug and alcohol problems.

Defence lawyer Salvatore Mascia says his client is shocked to be charged in the murder of a woman he says he respected a great deal.

Rondeau has lived in the centre for about a year and he suffered from psychiatric problems.