The Crown has withdrawn a charge of second-degree murder against John (Jack) Buckley, who was accused of killing his mother earlier this year.

Buckley, 19, was arrested in March after his mother, Victoria Rae Brauns-Buckley, was found dead in their home in Chester Basin.

He spent months at the jail in Dartmouth. But on Tuesday, he walked out of Bridgewater provincial court a free man.

Prosecutor Lloyd Tancock made the decision to withdraw the murder charge.

"At this point, a determination was made that there is no likelihood of a conviction and so we're obligated to withdraw the charge," he told reporters.

Victoria Rae Brauns-Buckley, 57, was found dead in her home in Chester Basin on March 2. (CBC)

Buckley was silent as he left court.

Defence lawyer Patrick MacEwan said his client is relieved that the charge was dropped, however, it's still a tragedy.

"This young man lost his mother. So it's not a happy day. But he is very relieved," MacEwan said.

Buckley's childhood friend defended him.

"He is not the person they made him out to be," Nicole Kaizer said.

"The guy just lost his mother, like, you just can't throw him behind bars for no evidence at all. They have nothing to hold him," she said.

RCMP Cpl. Scott MacRae said the case remains an active homicide investigation.

The court is allowing investigators to hold onto all exhibits seized so far for at least another three months.

Found in home

The body of Brauns-Buckley was found in the house on Borgels Point Road on March 2.

Her son was arrested three days later, after her death was ruled a homicide.

Brauns-Buckley was retired from her job as an Air Canada flight attendant. She made nautical-themed jewelry which she sold on the internet.