Bryan Kohberger Using AUTISM As A Defense In Idaho Murder Case!

Wow. Bryan Kohberger‘s defense team really is pulling out all the stops. Even ones the general public may find horribly offensive!

The now 30-year-old former criminology student is facing trial for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students back in November 2022. The killer stabbed roommates Kaylee Goncalves, Maddie Mogen, and Xana Kernodle, as well as Xana’s boyfriend Ethan Chapin, to death, creating a scene so gory that blood was literally pouring from the house.

The defense has tried to shoot holes in the mountain of evidence that Kohberger was the one who wielded the knife. But their latest desperate move isn’t about proving his innocence… it’s about saving his life.

His wily public defender Anne Taylor has filed a motion declaring the death penalty should not be on the table… because her client is autistic!

Apparently Kohberger had never been diagnosed with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) before, but they brought in a neuropsychologist last month — who said he “continues to exhibit all the core diagnostic features of ASD currently, with significant impact on his daily life.” And his defense is wasting no time using the diagnosis.

Citing the 2002 Supreme Court case Atkins v Virginia, which ruled those with intellectual disabilities cannot be executed for a crime as it would violate the Eighth Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment, Taylor argues:

“Mr. Kohberger’s ASD prevents him from being sentenced to death in a manner that accords with the constitutional requirements of proportionality and reliability. Like juveniles and people with disabilities, he is insufficiently culpable to be sentenced to death, the aims of deterrence and retribution will not be satisfied by his execution, and he faces an unacceptable risk that the death penalty will be imposed in spite of factors which may call for a less severe penalty.”

She also complains there is “an unconstitutional risk that Mr. Kohberger — on account of his disability — will be unreliably convicted and sentenced to death.”

So… his autism will make it more likely he’s convicted? Even if he’s innocent?? Because he can’t defend his actions properly? Are we reading that right?? Yep, she says he’s even had a hard time communicating with his defense team. Huh.

According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children have been diagnosed with autism in the US. That’s 75 MILLION — making it a pretty common disorder. Kinda feels like this might set a pretty wide-reaching new precedent if autism really did keep him protected from capital punishment.

The judge has ordered the motion sealed for now, presumably to keep the defendant’s medical records private. We imagine we’ll get a ruling on the motion soon. Important takeaway here apart from the controversial autism stuff? It kiiinda sounds to us like Anne doesn’t feel very confident in her case here. We mean, the trial hasn’t even started, and she’s blaming his autism for making it difficult to defend him? Hmm.

What do YOU think about this new strategy, Perezcious paralegals??

[Image via FOX6/YouTube.]