Austin, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Kendrex White, who fatally stabbed UT Austin student Harrison Brown in 2017 and was found not guilty by reason of insanity, has received approval for outpatient release. Judge Tamara Needles ruled that White could transition from Kerrville State Hospital to a supervised group home, prompting backlash from victims’ families and local residents citing public safety concerns. The district attorney opposed the release, emphasizing the profound impact of the crime on the community. White’s outpatient plan includes strict monitoring and a curfew, yet community groups are rallying to voice their worries.
Austin
Kendrex White, the man accused of fatally stabbing University of Texas (UT) Austin student Harrison Brown and injuring three others in 2017, has been granted approval for outpatient release. On Wednesday, Judge Tamara Needles ruled that White, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in December 2018, can leave the Kerrville State Hospital and move into a supervised group home. This decision has caused significant concern among community members and the families of the victims.
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office opposed White’s release, citing fears for public safety and the sentiments expressed by the families of the victims. Specifically, Lori Brown, the mother of the victim Harrison Brown, has made her objections known, emphasizing the enduring impact her son’s murder has had on her family.
Kendrex White has been under psychiatric care since the incident, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, and he has been receiving treatment at Kerrville State Hospital. During his treatment, he experienced symptoms including hallucinations and delusions, and although his psychiatrist reported that he had not experienced auditory hallucinations in five years, concerns about his medication levels were raised prior to the hearing.
White’s outpatient plan includes regular oversight: he must meet with a psychiatrist at least once a month and case managers twice a week. Additionally, he will be monitored 24/7 while residing in the group home, which imposes a curfew of 11 p.m. Despite these restrictions, knives will be accessible in the kitchen.
The ruling comes after delays in the original hearing, which was postponed due to flooding in Kerrville, Texas. The violent attack carried out by White on May 1, 2017, sparked nationwide discussions about mental health issues and public safety concerns.
Lori Brown has taken an active role in advocating against White’s release by reaching out to community members to highlight the implications of his outpatient status and the importance of maintaining public safety. Various community groups, including SafeHorns, are encouraging public attendance at hearings related to White’s release and prompting them to express their concerns to legal authorities regarding his transition to less secure living conditions.
Key Details of Kendrex White’s Case
- Event Date: May 1, 2017.
- Victim: Harrison Brown, UT Austin student.
- Charges: Murder and injuring three others.
- Verdict: Not guilty by reason of insanity in December 2018.
- Current Facility: Kerrville State Hospital.
- Outpatient Plan: Monthly psychiatrist meetings, bi-weekly case management.
- Monitoring: 24/7 supervision within the group home.
- Curfew: 11 p.m. in the group home.
- Accessible Knives: Allowed in the home kitchen.
Reaction from the Community
The reaction from the community, particularly from victims’ families, remains deeply divided. Many are fearful of the implications of White’s release and are calling for continued dialogue on mental health and public safety issues sparked by his actions. This case continues to evoke strong emotions and concerns, underscoring the complex intersection between mental health care and societal safety.
Conclusion
Kendrex White’s transition from a mental hospital to a supervised group home marks a significant moment in a case that has stirred concerns among community members and advocates alike about mental health treatment and public safety. The ruling, made by Judge Tamara Needles, has not only legal implications but also raises questions about the expectations of community safety moving forward.
FAQ
What was Kendrex White accused of?
Kendrex White was accused of murdering UT Austin student Harrison Brown and injuring three others in 2017.
What was the outcome of his verdict?
White was found not guilty by reason of insanity in December 2018 and was ordered to be committed to a maximum-security mental health hospital.
What did the judge rule recently?
On Wednesday, Judge Tamara Needles ruled that White can be released from Kerrville State Hospital into a supervised group home.
What concerns were raised about White’s release?
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office opposed White’s release, citing concerns for community safety and the wishes of victims’ families.
What are the components of White’s outpatient plan?
White’s outpatient plan requires him to meet a psychiatrist at least once a month and case managers twice a week, also to be monitored 24/7 in the group home.
What restrictions will be imposed in the group home?
The group home will have a curfew of 11 p.m., and while there will be no GPS tracking, knives will be accessible in the kitchen.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | May 1, 2017 |
| Victim | Harrison Brown |
| Verdict | Not guilty by reason of insanity |
| Current Treatment Facility | Kerrville State Hospital |
| Outpatient Monitoring | Monthly psychiatrist meetings and bi-weekly case management |
| Curfew in Group Home | 11 p.m. |
| Access to Knives | Available in kitchen |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Concerns Rise Over Potential Release of Stabbing Suspect
Additional Resources
- FOX 7 Austin: News
- Wikipedia: University of Texas at Austin Stabbing Incident
- KVUE: Local News
- Google Search: Kendrex White Case
- KXAN: Crime Imprints
- Google Scholar: Kendrex White Legal Case
- CBS Austin: Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kendrex White Case
- Austin American-Statesman: Courts News
- Google News: Kendrex White Release Update
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
