Florida Man Faces Murder Trial After Two Decades in Mental Health Facilities
Brandon Hitteman, accused of a 2002 murder in St. Petersburg, is facing trial after spending 20 years in mental health facilities. He was recently found competent to stand trial by a judge who believes Hitteman has been faking his mental…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 19, 2026 —
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – After two decades institutionalized in mental health facilities, Brandon Hitteman is now facing trial for a 2002 murder charge. A judge recently ruled Hitteman competent to stand trial, expressing a belief that the defendant had been feigning mental illness in an effort to delay court proceedings.
The trial commenced with prosecutors detailing the alleged crime as a “prolonged, vicious death.” The defense, however, is expected to argue that Hitteman lacked the requisite intent for a murder conviction.
According to Hitteman’s own statements to police, the events leading to the charge involved a dispute that escalated into a physical struggle. Hitteman reportedly described choking the victim following a disagreement concerning the transmission of hepatitis B.
Hitteman has spent the last 20 years undergoing treatment and evaluation in mental health facilities. The recent competency ruling by the judge marks a significant turning point, allowing the legal proceedings to finally move forward.
Further details regarding the specifics of the alleged murder and the defense’s strategy are expected to emerge as the trial progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by By Alexa Coultoff, Times staff on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.
