TRAVERSE CITY — A man accused of attacking people with a knife in the Traverse City Walmart is not competent to be tried – but could be later on, after treatment.
Judge Michael Stepka of 86th District Court ruled Friday that Bradford James Gille currently is unable to assist in his own defense at trial.
Stepka based his decision on the findings and testimony of Dr. Jay Witherell, Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry’s director of examination services.
Witherell said he interviewed Gille for two hours. Based on Gille’s responses and Witherell’s review of various reports on Gille, including from another psychiatric hospital and mental health service providers, Gille’s delusional thinking would keep him from helping with his own defense.
Gille showed an understanding of the case against him and the various roles of people involved in the court proceedings — the judge, his defense attorney, witnesses and so on, Witherell said.
But Gille believes that he is being held in a “death camp” or “concentration camp,” and that he is sure to be harmed or killed if he’s committed to a psychiatric hospital pursuant to an insanity plea, Witherell said.
Gille also said that he believes his “spiritual children or spiritual family” to be in danger.
Gille told Witherell that he believes a certain witness might be more favorable to him because he heard the witness’s voice prior to the alleged attack, Witherell said.
Stepka agreed with Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg’s request to find Gille incompetent to stand trial.
The judge then ordered Gille to remain at the forensic psychiatry center to undergo treatment so that he might be restored to competency, based on Witherell’s opinion that Gille showed a good chance of rehabilitation, if treated.
Jacob Graff, Gille’s attorney, made no argument against Moeggenberg’s request but pointed out Gille retains the right to request an independent forensic examination if he can show good cause.
The prosecutor has charged Gille with terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder in the July 26 incident at Walmart in which 11 people were stabbed.