MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. — The district attorney’s office says a man accused of beating his 87-year-old mother could face more serious charges because she died after his arrest.

Lucian Chalfen, spokesman for the Westchester County district attorney, said Wednesday that 55-year-old Peter Lawrence Herman had been charged with assault.

Chalfen said Lawrence was arrested Monday after his mother was beaten at their Mount Vernon home. The mother, Claire Herman, was taken to a hospital, where she died Monday night.

Chalfen said autopsy findings will determine whether the charges against Peter Herman are upgraded. That could happen Friday, when he is due in city court.

A call to Legal Aid, which is representing Herman, was not immediately returned.