TAMPA, Fla. -- The man accused of deliberately killing a father of two by hitting him with his car has entered a not guilty plea.  

  • Mikese Morse pleads not guilty after killing father of two
  • Family of Morse says he suffers from mental illness
  • Morse to appear in court again on August 27th

Mikese Morse, 30, was arrested last month after police say he struck and killed Pedro Aguerreberry, 42, on New Tampa Road last month.

Morse’s family has said he suffers from mental illness and was in a state of psychosis at the time of the tragedy.

Morse’s family has said he was in a state of psychosis at the time of the crash. He had been Baker Acted four times and was released from treatment just days before the tragedy.

That mental history was discussed during the arraignment.

"I think the fact that today is the first time his mental health was introduced to the court is the perfect example of his failure of the mental health system because everyone previously involved with this knew about it," said Khadeeja Morse, Morse's mother.

The State Attorney's office has 45 days to decide whether to pursue the death penalty in this case.

A court appointed doctor will have to evaluate Morse to determine his mental competency and whether he can stand trial.  That report must be presented to a judge by August 22.

Morse's next court date is August 27th.