TRAVERSE CITY — The Grand Traverse County Prosecutor is laying out the next steps for Bradford Gille, the man accused of stabbing 11 people at the Traverse City Walmart.
Bradford Gille was found not competent to stand trial on Friday. He’s back at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry downstate, after being found incompetent.
“The Center for Forensic Psychiatry near Ann Arbor found Gille’s ability to reason to be disorganized and difficult, with a doctor testifying that Gille is likely schizophrenic.
“Based on just the frenzied nature of the attack itself, as well as the statements that he made immediately after and then to our law enforcement, I was not surprised at all by the result,” said the Grand Traverse County prosecutor, Noelle Moeggenberg.
Moeggenberg said that, coupled with the testimony of evaluators, it was evident that Gille is not competent to assist in their own defense. She said that could change in the future.
“We’re hopeful that he will be restored because he has been in the past. So there’s a good track record to show that he receives the medications and treatment he needs. He can be restored to competency,” said Moeggenberg.
She said the center has about 15 months by law to treat Gille and attempt to restore his competency, allowing Gille the opportunity to take part in his own defense.
“If they’re not competent, then they can’t participate in the proceedings at all. So we can’t move forward with a criminal case. We can’t even move forward with a not guilty by reason of insanity crime,” said Moeggenberg.
Moeggenberg said they will be having a hearing every 90 days to evaluate his mental state.
“And if prior to that, they believe that he has been, again, what they call restored to competency, then we’ll have a hearing and we’ll go in front of the judge at that point,” said Moeggenberg.
She said if the treatment center can’t restore his competency within that 15-month timeframe, he would remain there under a probate court order.
“We would not be able to do anything with him. We may be able to recharge the case [in] another time,” said Moeggeneberg.
She said, regardless, the general public should not worry that Gille will be able to get out.
“He’s not going to be under any circumstances. He wouldn’t simply be released. No, that would not happen,” said Moeggenberg.
The prosecutor said it’s a good possibility he could still use an insanity plea if or when he does become competent to stand trial. He has been found not guilty by reason of insanity for a past crime.
“What people have to remember is when someone’s not guilty by reason of insanity, they’re not simply let go. They don’t just walk out,” said Moeggenberg.
She said he might not go to prison, but [he would receive long-term care at a hospital] where he can receive treatment, even if it’s against his will.
“It’s something that we can’t do when someone’s incarcerated in jail or in prison. So he would receive the help he needed,” said Moeggenberg.