TRAVERSE CITY — Bradford James Gille, the man accused of stabbing 11 people at the Walmart last year, was deemed competent Friday to stand trial.
Grand Traverse County Judge Michael Stepka of the 86th District Court accepted the findings of the report from the Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry and determined that the criminal case against Gille can now proceed.
Gille’s preliminary examination, which attorneys expect will take nearly a day, will be scheduled within the next 45 to 60 days. A status conference was scheduled for 11 a.m. June 29.
Gille, 43, of Afton, joined the hearing via Zoom from the Forensic Center in Saline. His attorney, Jacob Graff of Traverse City, said he went through the forensic report with his client and “we will not be contesting those findings.”
Graff did, however, ask the judge to continue their ability to request an independent evaluation at a future time if there should be cause.
Gille faces 12 charges related to the July 26, 2025, mass stabbing at the Walmart Supercenter, 2640 Crossing Circle, including a charge for terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. A conviction on any one of these charges carries a sentence of up to life in prison.
Gille’s case has been on hold since August 2025, when he was found incompetent to stand trial and unable to assist in his own defense. At that hearing, Stepka ordered Gille to undergo treatment.
The judge’s decision Friday to proceed with the case was partially based on the opinion of Dr. Jay Witherell, the forensic center’s director of examination services, who indicated that Gille shows a good chance of rehabilitation, if he receives treatment.
Gille’s bond of $1 million was continued.