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’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.
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.
