Former Turnstile Guitarist Brady Ebert Ordered Into Competency Evaluation After His Own Lawyer Raises Concerns

Former Turnstile guitarist Brady Ebert has been ordered to undergo a competency evaluation after his own attorney raised concerns about whether he can stand trial on attempted murder charges tied to an alleged attack on the father of Turnstile frontman Brendan Yates.

Ebert sharply rejected that assessment during a September 3 hearing in Montgomery County Circuit Court, telling Judge Eric Johnson he is “perfectly competent.” He also denied the police account of the incident, accused his attorney of working with prosecutors and told the court he planned to fire him.

Defense attorney Mark Sobel told Johnson he had “significant concerns regarding competency,” leading the judge to order the evaluation before the criminal case proceeds further.

Ebert is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder and other offenses over allegations that he intentionally struck William Yates, Brendan Yates’ father, with a car in March. Ebert has denied committing a crime and has previously described his actions as self-defense.

The competency evaluation will not decide whether Ebert committed the alleged attack. It will determine whether he can understand the proceedings against him and meaningfully assist in his defense. A defendant found incompetent generally cannot be tried unless competency is later restored.

Ebert remained adamant about his innocence during the hearing.

“We can watch the video right now and prove my innocence,” he told the court. “I did not commit a crime.”

Police say the confrontation occurred March 29 on Timberlake Drive in Silver Spring, Maryland. Investigators allege William Yates threw a rock toward Ebert’s vehicle while trying to warn his daughter and young grandson after Ebert honked and swerved toward them.

Authorities allege Ebert then backed up, accelerated and struck Yates in a driveway, causing injuries to his lower body. Ebert disputes that account.

The case has drawn wider attention because of Ebert’s history with Turnstile and his connection to the Yates family. He played guitar on the Baltimore hardcore band’s first three albums, including its 2021 breakout record, “Glow On,” before leaving the group in 2022.

After Ebert’s arrest, Turnstile said the band had previously separated from him following what it described as “a consistent pattern of harmful behavior affecting himself, the band, and the community.” The group also said threats allegedly made by Ebert had escalated in the months before the incident involving William Yates.

Those allegations are separate from the criminal charges and have not been proven in court.

Ebert faces a potential life sentence if convicted of first-degree attempted murder. He remains held without bail at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

Johnson scheduled another status hearing for September 22. The competency findings could determine whether the attempted murder case continues toward trial or is paused while Ebert’s ability to participate in his defense is addressed.