Gallery Furniture arson suspect ruled competent to stand trial

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The man accused of setting a massive fire at Gallery Furniture will have his day in court. Eyewitness News has learned the suspect is now considered competent to stand trial.

"That was a devastating moment, we didn't know if we were going to go on or not," said Jim Mcingvale. "It had to be probably the darkest moment."

Robert Gillham has spent the last four years in a state mental hospital. Investigators say in 2009, the disgruntled former employee set fire to the store on the North Freeway and Parker, causing more than $20 million in damages. We're told he will return to Harris County in the coming weeks and a trial date will be set.

"I understand that mental illness is a cruel disease. We have had a lot of it in my family, so I've had a lot of empathy for him," said Mcingvale.

Mattress Mack issued a statement Wednesday night to Eyewitness News saying, "We look forward to going to trial, putting this behind us and moving on. Mental illness is a cruel disease and I don't wish it on anybody."

"At this point, I feel a lot of mercy for him because, you know, he's been through a lot. We have been through a lot. Justice can be served and we can all move on."