MIAMI — A Miami-Dadge judge ruled that Travis Grafe is competent to stand trial Wednesday as he faces a murder charge in the killing of his mother, Rachel Knaus Grafe, the former owner of South Florida staple Knaus Berry Farm.

Prior to ruling, Judge Laura Gonzalez-Marques heard, over the course of a few days, testimony from six doctors about the 43-year-old’s mental fitness.

Three of them found Grafe to be competent. Three of them did not.

It was ultimately up to Gonzalez-Marques to rule. Grafe argued with Gonzalez-Marques moments after she decided.

Authorities said on Feb. 17, 2023, Grafe, then 40, killed his 66-year-old mother by beating her to death with a flashlight at their property at Coconut Palm Drive and Newton Road, in the county’s rural Redland area.

Investigators with what was then the Miami-Dade Police Department said he also attacked his father, who survived.

According to Gonzalez-Marques’ order, Grafe suffered a traumatic brain injury during a golf cart crash at age 14, resulting in a “lack of impulse control, lessened use of his left arm, a noticeable limp when walking, and slurred speech.”

His courtroom outbursts were among several factors observed by six doctors, whose full findings were redacted.

With doctors split, the judge ultimately decided, “Although Mr. Grafe has suffered permanent injury and has existing deficits as a result, the Court believes he can understand the charges against him, the consequences he faces, and the nature of the legal proceeding. The Court also finds that Mr. Grafe has current ability to communicate effectively with his counsel, testify relevantly, and behave appropriately during trial.”

Grafe’s next hearing is set for July 1.

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