This week, Door County Courts have ruled that eighteen-year-old Aidan Rice of Sister Bay, was not mentally competent to stand trial. Rice was charged as an adult for possessing a firearm on school grounds, a Class I felony, following an incident on March 15, 2024 at Gibraltar High School. 

According to the criminal complaint, a school resource officer was notified by a teacher that Rice had a weapon, which he initially denied. After a brief search, a loaded .38 Ruger LCR revolver was located as well as six additional bullets. Rice stated he was fearful of a former student and that the firearm was for his protection. The former student had not been at Gibraltar since late 2023.

A competency evaluation was completed and a ruling was filed Monday by Judge Weber that states “the defendant is presently not competent to proceed in this case and he/she is not likely to become competent within the statutory commitment period.” 

Following the ruling, Rice will be released from custody with stipulations. The order advises that he will be required to appear in court every six months to redetermine competency and is barred from possessing or using firearms. Court records show the next scheduled status conference is set for November 10th.