Man Who Chopped Off Mother's Head With Samurai Sword Reaches Plea Deal With DA

The man who almost 18 months ago has reached a plea agreement with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.

Michael Brea pleaded not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect Friday in Brooklyn Supreme Court after psychiatrists for both sides diagnosed him with schizophrenia. 

He will be sent to a mental health facility, likely either Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan or Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center in upstate New York, said the prosecutor on the case.

When he’ll get out is determined by a periodic review process. There’s no way to know how long that will be, the prosecutor said, but added “Based on the nature of the crime and the severity of his mental illness, I think he’ll be in there for a lengthy period of time."

Brea attacked his mother, 55-year-old Yannick Brea, on Nov. 23, 2010 at their apartment on Park Place between Grand and Classon avenues. Just after 1 a.m. neighbors heard Yannick screaming “help, he's gonna kill me,” and Michael chanting religious phrases.

Brea, who was then 31, was a bit actor who had roles in "Ugly Betty" and the movie "Step Up 3D.” He once from him for poor performance and management issues.

Both Brea's attorney and Brooklyn DA Charles J. Hynes declined to comment on the plea deal.