Brandon Hein was born in 1977, in Oak Park, California. Raised in a suburban environment, Hein was described as an average teenager who enjoyed sports and socializing with friends. He attended local schools and was known to have a close-knit group of friends. Prior to the incident in 1995, Hein had no significant criminal record and was not affiliated with any gangs.

On May 22, 1995, Brandon Hein, along with friends Jason Holland, Micah Holland, and Tony Miliotti, decided to visit the backyard fort of Michael McLoren in Agoura Hills, California. The fort was known among local teens as a place to hang out and, occasionally, to purchase marijuana. The group entered McLoren's property without permission, allegedly intending to obtain marijuana. An altercation ensued inside the fort between McLoren and the group. During the confrontation, Jason Holland stabbed McLoren and Jimmy Farris, who was present at the scene. Farris succumbed to his injuries, while McLoren survived.

Hein was charged under California's felony murder rule, which allows for individuals involved in certain felonies to be charged with murder if a death occurs during the commission of the felony, regardless of intent or direct involvement in the killing. Hein, along with the other defendants, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

The case garnered significant media attention and sparked debates about the application of the felony murder rule, especially concerning young offenders. In 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger commuted Hein's sentence to 29 years to life, making him eligible for parole. Hein was granted parole in October 2019 and released in 2020.