Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the brutal 2022 slaying of four University of Idaho undergrads, appear to be pointing to autism as a reason to save him from the death penalty if convicted.
The accused quadruple-murderer’s defense filed a motion this week titled “to Strike Death Penalty RE: Autism Spectrum Disorder,” according a summary of court documents filed in the case.
Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students in 2022. AP
Kohberger is accused of accused of killing Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus home in November 2022. kayleegoncalves/Instagram
Kohberger was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice at Washington State University at the time of the murders. APKohberger’s lawyers also filed a motion to redact or seal the newly filed records “in Support of their Motion to Strike Death Penalty RE: Autism Spectrum Disorder Under Seal,” keeping the full argument out of the public eye.
It’s not immediately clear whether Kohberger has been diagnosed with autism or if his defense team is seeking a diagnosis. It also remains to be seen how the disorder would fit into the defense’s strategy.
Kohberger, 30, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges and the high-profile trial is expected to kick off in August.
Here’s the latest coverage on the brutal killings of four college friends:
- Why Bryan Kohberger’s guilty plea means he may get the last laugh — and torment his victims further
- Byran Kohberger’s former criminology professor fears her serial-killer courses inspired him
- Prosecutors offered Bryan Kohberger a plea deal despite a mountain of damning evidence — here’s what they had
- Deluded Bryan Kohberger fans known as ‘probergers’ insist he’s innocent – despite guilty plea deal: ‘Reeks of a coverup’
- Families of slaughtered Idaho students vow to fight Bryan Kohberger plea deal: ‘Idaho has failed’
Monday’s motion is the latest bid by the former Washington State University grad student’s attorneys to remove the possibility of the death penalty if he’s convicted.
