Son who killed Scottish step mother in US ruled to be insane

A JUDGE has ruled that an American charged with killing his Scottish step mum was insane at the time.

• Judge rules David Brannan did not know right from wrong

• Brannan committed to psychiatric facility indefinitely

David Brannan, 23, was charged with stabbing Tracy Brannan to death at the family home in Omaha, Nebraska.

But a court yesterday concluded that 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 attacks in July 2010.

Two psychiatrists had previously concluded he was not responsible for his actions at the time - while a third doctor disagreed with that finding.

Prosecutors feared they could would have had a hard time convincing a judge that the other two findings were wrong.

BIPOLAR

Douglas County District Judge Peter Bataillon delivered his verdict and ruled Brannan, who is bipolar and has a history of mental illness, was a danger to himself and others.

He committed him to the Lincoln Regional Center, where is likely to remain until he is no longer deemed a threat to society.

Angry friends of the family criticised the decision and said Brannan should have stood trial.

Beverly Indrika said: “They have just done a disservice to everyone who is diagnosed with bi-polar disorder.

“His father told me right before he died that his biggest fear was that his son would be allowed to be free again.”