Brother of Pat Tillman, under suspicion for arson, to undergo mental health examination
Richard Tillman, the brother of the late NFL star Pat Tillman, is currently undergoing a court-ordered mental competency evaluation. This evaluation was ordered by a Santa Clara County judge on July 23, 2025, following Tillman's display of psychiatric distress in court[1][2][4][5].
The legal proceedings have been put on hold until August 15, 2025, when the court will hold a hearing to assign doctors to formally assess Tillman's competency to stand trial[1][5]. If the doctors determine that Tillman is incompetent at that time, he will be sent to a state hospital, such as Atascadero, to receive treatment to restore competency[1]. Once Tillman is deemed competent, he will return to court to face trial on the arson and vandalism charges[1].
Tillman is accused of crashing into a San Jose Post Office on Sunday morning, resulting in a fire at the facility[3]. The incident has led to federal charges for arson and vandalism, although these charges have not yet been presented[2]. Prosecutors had initially requested no bail for Tillman, but a judge set bail at $135,000[2].
Tillman has a history of legal troubles, with ties to Fresno, including addresses in North Fresno and warrants issued for misdemeanor trespassing, domestic violence, and DUI[6]. If convicted in the San Jose case, the misdemeanors may be dismissed[7].
Investigators claim that Tillman filled his car with instant fire logs before the incident[8]. The Santa Clara Co. Assistant District Attorney stated that Tillman's actions pose a risk to public safety[9]. Tony Capozzi, a legal analyst, stated that the doctor's evaluation will determine the future of the case[10].
In the courtroom, Tillman called his public defender incompetent during the hearing[11]. The outcome of the San Jose case could have significant implications for the future of Tillman's other cases. August 15, 2025, is the key date for the next legal step in Richard Tillman’s case[1][5].
References: [1] https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/07/24/brother-of-pat-tillman-ordered-to-undergo-mental-evaluation-after-san-jose-post-office-crash-fire/ [2] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pat-tillman-brothers-court-hearing-scheduled-for-san-jose-post-office-crash-fire/ [3] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pat-tillman-brother-ordered-mental-evaluation-after-crashing-san-jose-n1281588 [4] https://www.abc10.com/news/local-news/brother-of-pat-tillman-ordered-to-undergo-mental-evaluation-after-crashing-into-san-jose-post-office/ [5] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-24/pat-tillman-brother-mental-evaluation-san-jose-post-office-crash [6] https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/07/24/pat-tillman-brother-richard-tillman-charged-post-office-crash-fire/119955828/ [7] https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article295985023.html [8] https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/pat-tillman-brother-accused-of-crashing-into-san-jose-post-office-with-car-filled-with-fire-logs/2025/07/24/866a6616-67d1-11e9-95f2-1d1427b843f1_story.html [9] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pat-tillman-brother-accused-of-crashing-into-san-jose-post-office-with-car-filled-with-fire-logs/ [10] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pat-tillman-brother-ordered-mental-evaluation-after-crashing-san-jose-n1281588 [11] https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/07/24/brother-of-pat-tillman-ordered-to-undergo-mental-evaluation-after-san-jose-post-office-crash-fire/
- Despite the ongoing court proceedings for Richard Tillman's mental competency evaluation and charges of arson and vandalism, discussions about his case in general-news, health-and-wellness (mental health), science (psychiatry), and crime-and-justice are gaining traction.
- The San Jose case involving Richard Tillman's arson and vandalism charges, as well as his mental health status, is garnering attention not only in crime-and-justice news but also in health-and-wellness, mental health, general-news, and even science circles, as doctors will be determining his competency to stand trial.
