Former Turnstile guitarist Brady Ebert is now facing a charge of attempted first-degree murder, a significant escalation from the second-degree assault charges initially filed against him last month. If convicted, the former band member could face a potential life sentence.
The legal proceedings stem from an alleged attack on Bill Yates, the 79-year-old father of Turnstile frontman Brendan Yates. According to reports, the incident left the elder Yates with serious injuries, including a broken leg. While he was hospitalized for several weeks following the altercation, he has since been discharged and is currently recovering at home.
A grand jury indictment issued last Thursday formalized the escalated charges. Authorities allege that Ebert drove to the Yates family property, where he reportedly honked his horn and shouted obscenities before striking Bill Yates with his 2001 Buick and fleeing the scene. Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the specific motives behind the incident.
Ebert, who was a founding member of Turnstile from its inception in 2010 until his departure in 2022, has maintained his innocence. He has previously claimed that surveillance footage will exonerate him, stating, “This is pure self-defense. They’re the attackers.” He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 8.
The band has previously addressed Ebert’s departure, noting that while the initial split was described as amicable, they later cited a pattern of harmful behavior and threats as the true cause for his exit. Following his departure, he was replaced by guitarist Meg Mills. Earlier this year, Ebert was also removed from his subsequent project, The S.E.T., after posting inflammatory comments regarding his former bandmates on social media.
Despite the ongoing legal turmoil, Turnstile has continued to honor the Yates family. During their recent Coachella performance, the band opened their set with a video featuring Bill Yates, who shared a message of support for the group and their fanbase, stating, “I’m the proud father of Brendan. They’re all sons of mine. All the fans out there: we love you, and Turnstile loves you. Enjoy the ride.”
