UT-Austin Student's Killer Found Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity

AUSTIN, TEXAS — The man charged in the fatal stabbing attack that led to the death of a University of Texas at Austin freshman last year was found not guilty by reason of insanity on Tuesday, according to reports.

The ruling means Kendrex White will not spend any time in prison for the May 2017 killing of Harrison Brown but instead be sent to a maximum security mental health facility. State District Judge Tamara Needles made the ruling after White was indicted in July 2017 on a first-degree murder charge and three counts of aggravated assault for the stabbing spree that left others injured outside the campus gymnasium.

In issuing her ruling, State District Judge Tamara Needles agreed with a doctor's assessment that White was in the throes of severe mental illness and unable to distinguish between right and wrong when he stabbed Brown.

In a message sent to the UT-Austin community prior to the ruling, university President Gregory L. Fenves recalled the tragedy while praising the outpouring of support for the slain student's family.

"May 1, 2017, was one of the darkest days in the history of our university,” Fenves wrote. "Four students were attacked without reason in the middle of the afternoon. Three of them bravely battled back from their injuries to return to UT. but they lost the sense of safety an well-being that should be the foundation of the college experience. When I think back on that day, I am filled with sadness. But I also remember the outpouring of compassion that came afterward. And it was inspired by Harrison.”

"I'm sure that this verdict will cause a wide range of responses within our community," Fenves added, referring to the successful insanity plea. "It brings back painful memories."

In the days after Harrison Brown was killed, thousands of UT-Austin students descended upon campus grounds for a memorial service. Photo by Tony Cantú/Patch staff.

UT campus police issued a tweet offering words of support to Brown's family after the ruling: "@UTAustinPolice will forever be here for the Brown family. God comfort them and those still grieving," police wrote.

Related stories:

UT Austin Campus Stabbing: Student Killed, 3 Others Injured In Attack

UT Austin To Honor Slain Student Throughout May

Thousands Gather To Pay Tribute To Slain UT-Austin Student

UT-Austin Campus Stabbing: Amid Efforts To Heal, Racism Rears Its Ugly Head

Father Of Slain UT-Austin Student Harrison Brown Passes Away In North Texas

Outside the courthouse prior to the judge's ruling, the slain student's mother expressed her wishes for White's fate: “I have no sympathy or empathy for Harrison’s murderer and I hope and pray he will never have an opportunity to harm another person,” Lori Brown, told reporters after the ruling.

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