ATKINS, Ark. — Defense attorneys for Kyle Brandon Ruddell have requested a mental evaluation to determine whether he is fit to proceed in his Pope County murder case.
A petition filed Feb. 18, 2026, by defense counsel Samuel Eastman asks the court to order a fitness-to-proceed examination. In the filing, the attorney states that Ruddell has identified himself as “King Brandon, King of Georgia,” referencing Central Asia, and appears to genuinely believe the claim.
The petition also states that Ruddell has expressed what the defense describes as “delusional positions” about the facts of the case, including “clearly unreasonable characterizations with regard to the alleged victims.” According to the filing, these beliefs have hampered counsel’s ability to discuss the case with him.
Ruddell is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder in connection with the December shooting death of his father and the alleged shooting at his brother. His case remains pending in Pope County Circuit Court.
