Socrates​ Tamvakis​ will spend the weekend behind bars after briefly appearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday morning.

He is accused of killing his mother, Violet Tamvakis​, 75, in her Bentleigh home sometime between the Anzac Day public holiday and Tuesday.

Her body was found with wounds that police believe were inflicted in a violent assault.

The 44-year-old son was charged with one count of murder on Friday after police arrested him in a popular cafe in the city's south-east.

Mr Tamvakis' defence counsel told the court he had been diagnosed with depression and required anti-depressant medication while in custody.

Wearing a black and red shirt, Mr Tamvakis bowed politely to the magistrate as guards escorted him in and out of the courtroom.

Mr Tamvakis was arrested at Bentleigh's Caffe Crema on Friday after the cafe manager recognised a photograph of the wanted man and stalled him until police arrived.

He will appear in court again on Monday for a filing hearing.