Judge Rules Death Penalty Can Be Sought in Bryan Kohberger Case Despite Autism Diagnosis, Setting Stage for High-Profile Trial

In a recent development in the case against Bryan Kohberger, a judge has ruled that prosecutors may seek the death penalty if he is convicted of the murder of four University of Idaho students in 2022. This decision comes despite Kohberger’s attorneys’ request to remove the death penalty as a possible punishment, citing his diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 11.

Judge Steven Hippler, who presided over the hearing, concluded that autism spectrum disorder does not qualify for exemptions from the death penalty under current laws regarding intellectual disabilities. Prosecutors argued that the diagnosis does not meet the legal criteria for such exemptions, and the judge agreed, allowing the possibility of the death penalty to remain on the table.

Kohberger’s defense team had argued that imposing the death penalty would be “dehumanizing” due to his recent diagnosis. They have filed multiple motions challenging the application of the death penalty in this case, but the judge’s ruling indicates that these arguments have not been sufficient to alter the course of the prosecution’s strategy.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the implications of the legal arguments surrounding the death penalty and mental health diagnoses. As the trial date approaches, both the prosecution and defense are preparing for what is expected to be a closely watched legal proceeding.