A 25-year-old man experiencing a mental health crisis was fatally shot after breaking into his neighbor’s home with an axe, leading to a wrongful death lawsuit and a court ruling that the homeowner used excessive force.
According to investigators, surveillance footage captured Brandon White kicking in his neighbor’s front door and forcing his way inside while holding an axe. He proceeded down the hallway and began striking a bedroom door. The homeowner, Casey, who recognized Brandon’s voice but was unaware of his mental state, shouted for him to stop.
When Brandon did not respond, Casey retrieved a handgun and fired, striking Brandon in the abdomen. The impact caused Brandon to collapse, and he reportedly pleaded for help. Instead, Casey fired a series of additional shots. Police later confirmed that Brandon was struck nine times in total and was critically wounded by the time officers arrived. Despite their efforts, he died en route to the hospital.
Three days after the incident, Brandon’s mother filed a lawsuit, arguing that her son had been in the midst of a severe mental health episode and was not acting with intent to harm. She stated that he needed medical intervention, not lethal force, and held Casey responsible for escalating the situation.
After reviewing evidence and expert testimony, the court determined that Casey’s initial defensive shot was justified under the circumstances, but the subsequent gunfire went beyond what was necessary to neutralize the threat. The judge ruled that the homeowner’s response amounted to excessive force once Brandon was already incapacitated.
Casey was found 30 percent liable for Brandon’s death and ordered to pay $2 million in damages to the White family.
The ruling has sparked public debate over self-defense laws, mental health crises, and the responsibilities of homeowners confronted with sudden, violent intrusions.