Tragic Case of Mental Illness and Violence
An Oregon man has pleaded guilty to killing his 78-year-old mother — the woman who had served as both his legal guardian and primary caregiver. According to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, 53-year-old Chad Brix entered a plea of guilty except for insanity to one count of second-degree murder on October 15.
The plea stems from the February 2024 death of his mother, Virginia Brix, at his home in Lake Oswego. As part of his sentence, Chad has been committed to the Oregon State Hospital, where he will remain under the supervision of the Psychiatric Security Review Board.
A Long Battle with Schizophrenia
Authorities said Brix had suffered for years from severe schizophrenia, a condition that caused him to experience paranoid delusions, auditory hallucinations, and impulsive behavior. Diagnosed more than 15 years ago, he had undergone numerous hospitalizations and treatment programs.
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In 2022, the court appointed his mother, Virginia, as his legal guardian after repeated signs that he could not manage his own affairs. She lived near Seattle but frequently traveled to Oregon to check on her son, handle his finances, and ensure he took his prescribed medications.
According to investigators, Virginia remained devoted to Chad’s well-being despite the growing strain of his illness.
The Day of the Killing
On the day of the tragedy, police say Chad texted his father, confessing that he had killed his mother. When officers arrived at the Lake Oswego residence, they found Virginia’s body covered in blankets.
During questioning, Brix reportedly told detectives that he believed his mother was “drugging him” and that he stabbed her while she was asleep. Authorities said there was no evidence to support his claims, describing them as delusions consistent with his mental health disorder.
Family’s Decade-Long Struggle
Court documents revealed that Virginia had spent approximately $460,000 over the years supporting Chad’s living expenses and medical care. Despite her efforts, his condition had worsened in the months leading up to the attack.
During the sentencing hearing, Chad’s ex-wife and two daughters spoke emotionally about the years they lived in fear due to his unpredictable and sometimes violent behavior. “He was at war with his own mind,” one of his daughters told the court.
The family described Virginia as a loving and selfless mother who had sacrificed much of her life trying to help her son find stability.
Expression of Remorse
When given the opportunity to speak, Chad briefly addressed his family. His statement was quiet and remorseful:
“I sincerely apologize. I didn’t mean to do it. I’m so sorry.”
Authorities say the outcome ensures Brix will remain under strict psychiatric supervision rather than in a traditional prison setting.
A Case Reflecting Larger Challenges
The case underscores the complex intersection of mental illness and public safety, highlighting how families caring for severely ill loved ones often face impossible choices.
While justice has been served through the court’s ruling, those who knew Virginia Brix say the outcome offers little comfort — only a somber reminder of a family torn apart by a disease that neither love nor money could fully heal.
