A judge in Traverse City, Michigan, has increased the bond for Bradford James Gille, the suspect in a mass stabbing incident, from $100,000 to $1 million. This decision came after a public outcry over the initial bond amount, which many felt was too low given the seriousness of the charges against him.
During a bond review hearing, Judge Michael Stepka emphasized the gravity of the situation and the likelihood that Gille might not appear for future court dates. He stated that raising the bond would help reassure victims and the community that Gille would remain in custody.
The stabbing occurred at a Walmart in Traverse City, where Gille allegedly wounded 11 people. Just a day before the attack, authorities had sought a court order to place him in protective custody due to troubling encounters with the police in nearby Petoskey. At that time, law enforcement was actively searching for him.
Prosecutors argued for Gille’s bond to be completely revoked, citing a "gun gesture" he allegedly made during his first court appearance. However, Judge Stepka explained that Michigan law requires certain conditions to revoke a bond, such as being charged with murder or having two prior violent felony convictions. Gille faces 11 counts of assault with intent to murder and terrorism, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Gille’s defense attorney, Janet Mistele, argued that Gille and his family could not afford the new bond amount. The increase means he would need to post $100,000 to secure his release, a sum that is unlikely to be raised.
The initial bond decision drew criticism from several quarters, including Michigan state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, who expressed concern that letting Gille out of jail would endanger the community.
Gille has a history of legal troubles. In 2017, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity for charges related to dismembering and mutilating bodies he exhumed from a cemetery. This background adds to the community’s concerns about his potential release.
