State College resident to face trial for murder

Dietrich R. Brandt of State College will face trial beginning today on charges of first and third degree murder, said Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar.

The charges stem from a May 1998 incident in which Brandt, then 65, allegedly killed his wife, Louise Brandt, by striking her on the head with a heavy object, possibly an oxygen tank she was using at the time.

Brandt's wife was found dead at the scene of their East Beaver Avenue home and Brandt was discovered with slit wrists.

Due to the circumstances surrounding his wife's death and his attempted suicide, Brandt had been admitted to a mental institution before he had been incarcerated at Centre County Prison last year.

The trial is expected to last three consecutive days, although the period is subject to change, Gricar said.

--by Susie Xu