‘Insane’ American stabbed Scottish stepmother to death

David Brannan, 23, is charged with stabbing Tracy Brannan to death at the family home in Nebraska. But two psychiatrists concluded Brannan was insane and incapable of understanding right from wrong at the time.

He also attempted to stab his father before trying to slit his own throat after launching the alleged attacks in July 2010.

A judge at Douglas County District is now expected to commit Brannan until he is no longer a threat to society. Judge Peter Bataillon will release a written ruling within days.

Mrs Brannan, 33, originally from Hamilton, Lanarkshire, was stabbed to death after moving to begin a new life in America.

She wed Harold Brannan, 61 – known as Hal – in May 2010 after meeting him through her brother, Simon. Harold’s son, David, is alleged to have attacked his stepmother – formerly known as Tracy Wyatt – and his dad at the home they shared.

David then stabbed himself and was taken to hospital for treatment before being arrested.

Brannan was charged with second-degree murder, assault and use of a weapon and with stabbing his father.

Police were called to the scene in Omaha’s South 122nd Avenue at 4:40am and found three people with various stab injuries.

It is alleged the family had been playing a board game before David turned a knife on his stepmother outside their home.

Bail was set at $1 million  (£631, 557) when he appeared in court.

His trial was delayed while he awaited a bed in a psychiatric institution for a mental evaluation.