The "Ugly Betty" actor accused of killing his mother with a sword has been charged with 2nd degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ. 
Michael Brea was taken into custody early Tuesday morning after allegedly stabbing his mother to death in her Brooklyn apartment.
We're told Brea is not suspected of using a samurai sword -- as initial reports suggested -- but rather another type of blade, roughly 3 feet in length.
Brea is scheduled to be arraigned sometime today.
See also
More Today in TMZ History
Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3
Gozer
It was a Masonic sword and he was quoting some Masonic crap. How come you guys are quick to break this story but won't say anything about the Masons??? Hmmmmmmmm......
crizzo
To everyone so confused about the 2nd degree murder charge, crimes of passion are typically considered 2nd degree. This charge could indicate more about the story than you want to hear, bc you're so caught up in the 1st degree/sword crap. Using a sword doesn't mean it's 1st degree murder.
AnnieCamden
Calling this guy a "celebrity" is like called a TMZ pap a "journalist."
Bento Box
Why aren't they saying what it was? A masonic dagger.
niko
OMG! Maybe Michael saw Verner Herzog's new movie "My Son My Son What Have Ye Done". The similarities are crazy!!!
foobaar
his dad is also a freemason. cnn did an interview with him, and in it he says it's his martial arts sword. i think he's trying to protect the lodge, because the lodge admitted that it was their weapon that was stolen.
Patricia
Okay, I give up -- what role did this guy play on "Ugly Betty"? I looked on IMDB and there isn't an actor named Michael Brea or Michael L. Brea even listed in general, let alone on "Ugly Betty" specifically. For this to qualify as "celebrity justice," wouldn't there have to be a celebrity involved? And for him to be having a problem handling fame, wouldn't he first have to be famous?
Shorti
this dude isn't even on imdb.com he was not an actor on Ugly Betty please do not associate this complete idiot with a good show!
kay
ummm...have you people ever heard of mental illness????? geezzz any thoughts that maybe be was experiencing major psychosis???? ....this does exist u know....geezzzz