Michael Brea Charged with Second-Degree Murder

A Prospect Heights resident, who was, has been charged with murder by the Kings County District Attorney's office.

31-year-old Michael Breawho cut his mother Yannick Brea's head off with a samurai sword early the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 23, was charged with second-degree murder through video conference from Bellevue Hosital, where he has been transferred. Judge Neil Firetog, who presided over the hearing, remanded him into police custody until his next court date on Feb. 18.

Police found Michael Brea in his mother's apartment on Park Place, clutching the murder weapon, after neighbors heard his mother scream and decided to call the police.

Elizabeth Weber, a 24-year-old mental health counselor, and Andrea Natoli, a 25-year-old teacher, who both live in the building, said they got out of bed after they heard Yannick yelling, "help, he's gonna kill me."

Clinton Claire, a 52-year-old former city worker who lives beneath Yannick's apartment, said he could hear Michael "chanting spiritual things" both while his mother was still screaming and after she had been killed.

Michael Brea told the New York Daily News,  "I didn't kill her. I killed the demon inside her."

Yannick Brea was 55 when she was killed.  at St. Teresa of Avila Church on Sterling Place on Sunday, Nov. 28.

After his arrest, Michael was taken to Kings County Hospital for psychiatric evaluation. Michael is a bit actor, having appeared the show "Ugly Betty" and in the dance movie "Step Up 3D," as well as the former owner of a Subway franchise.