Richard Tillman, the younger brother of late NFL hero Pat Tillman, is set to undergo a mental competency evaluation before his arson-related trial. He appeared in a California courtroom on Wednesday where officials raised concerns about his ability to face charges. Tillman was arrested after crashing into a San Jose post office on Sunday morning, causing a fire that took over an hour and a half to extinguish. The incident has sparked questions about whether he is capable of standing trial, prompting the court to order a medical assessment.
During the courtroom appearance, Tillman spoke out multiple times, claiming he was mentally competent and did not require bail. However, his attorneys expressed doubts about his fitness to stand trial. His bail was set at $136,000, and he is scheduled to return to court in August for the court to assign doctors for the mental health evaluation. Kevin Tillman, another brother of the late NFL player, shared in a statement that Richard had been livestreaming his altered state on social media during the crash, indicating a history of severe mental health issues.
The family described Richard’s actions as not surprising given his long-term mental health struggles. Kevin Tillman emphasized the difficulty in securing proper care for Richard, stating that none of the events are as shocking as they should be. The incident has drawn attention not only to Tillman’s personal challenges but also to the broader issues surrounding mental health care and legal proceedings involving individuals with severe mental illnesses.
The post office fire, which took over an hour and a half to extinguish, required the involvement of more than 50 firefighters. The blaze raised questions about public safety and the potential risks associated with such incidents. Authorities have not yet released any additional details about the specific charges that Tillman faces, but the arson and vandalism allegations remain central to his case. As the court prepares for the mental competency assessment, the case continues to highlight the complex intersection of mental health, legal accountability, and public safety in the United States.