Before Richard Tillman crashed into a San Jose post office and allegedly set it ablaze, his mind had been unraveling in front of the internet. The 44-year-old brother of NFL hero Pat Tillman had battled severe mental illness for years, according to his family. Despite visible distress and repeated cries for help, they say the mental health system failed him. His arrest is making headlines — but to those close to him, it’s the result of years of untreated suffering.
A life unfolding online in real time
For months, Richard had been posting increasingly erratic videos, calling himself “Yeshua” and claiming divine powers. He would livestream hours of delusional monologues, often appearing agitated, paranoid, and deeply disconnected from reality. His family watched in fear, knowing the content reflected more than eccentricity — it revealed mental collapse in public view. “We all saw it coming, but we couldn’t get him real help,” a family source told NBC Bay Area.
A family’s desperate fight for a son they couldn’t save
Kevin Tillman, Richard’s brother, spoke out about the emotional toll and the system’s inaction. “He has been battling severe mental health issues for many years,” Kevin said in a public statement. “Unfortunately, securing the proper care and support for him has proven incredibly difficult — or rather, impossible. He has been livestreaming, what I’ll call, his altered self on social media for anyone to witness,” he added.
Not a crime, but a cry for help
Authorities say Richard drove into the post office around 3 a.m. and started a fire, but no one was injured. He was arrested and is being held at Santa Clara County Jail, facing arson charges and awaiting arraignment. For Kevin, the bigger issue isn’t the fire — it’s what led up to it: a neglected mental health emergency. “As a result, none of this is as shocking as it should be,” he said, summing up years of ignored warning signs.
A broken system that misses the signs
Richard’s downward spiral wasn’t hidden — it played out live to anyone who would watch, including law enforcement. He previously had run-ins with police, restraining orders, and DUIs — all possible signs of deeper psychological decline. Despite this pattern, the family says the mental health system put up barriers at every step of the way. His story now raises urgent questions: How many more people suffer in silence because care is so hard to reach?Also read: Clash of Clans signs NFL Draft Star Travis Hunter for viral gaming campaign blitz
FAQs
1.Who is Richard Tillman?
He is the younger brother of Pat Tillman, the NFL player who left football to join the Army and was killed in Afghanistan.
2.Why is Richard Tillman in the news?
He was arrested for allegedly crashing into and setting fire to a San Jose post office early Sunday morning.
3.Is mental illness involved in his case?
Yes. His family says he has suffered from untreated severe mental health issues for years and was in visible crisis.
About the Author
