Judge Allows Death Penalty Consideration for Bryan Kohberger Despite Autism Diagnosis
A judge permitted prosecutors to pursue the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger in the murder of four University of Idaho students, rejecting claims related to his autism diagnosis.
However, authorities claim to have a key piece of evidence, saying they found Kohberger's DNA on a Ka-Bar knife sheath found under Mogen's body.
FOX News·8d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.Kohberger’s autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reduces his culpability, negates the retributive and deterrent purposes of capital punishment, and exposes him to the unacceptable risk that he will be wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death.
Judge maintains death penalty as possible punishment for Bryan Kohberger despite autism diagnosis
Associated Press·8d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Prosecutors intended to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted at his trial, which is set to begin in August.
Judge: Idaho Can Seek Death Penalty Against Kohberger
Newsmax·8d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Summary
In a recent ruling, a judge determined that Bryan Kohberger can face the death penalty if convicted for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. Defense lawyers argued that Kohberger's autism spectrum disorder diminished his culpability and made the death penalty a cruel punishment. However, the judge found no legal basis to exclude the death penalty based on autism, stating it does not equate to an intellectual disability. The trial is set to start in August 2024, where jurors will also examine evidence including 911 calls from surviving roommates.
Perspectives
A judge ruled that prosecutors can pursue the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger despite his autism diagnosis, deeming that autism spectrum disorder does not exempt him from capital punishment under current law.
Defense argues that Kohberger's autism reduces his culpability and that executing someone with autism would be cruel and unusual punishment, but the judge found no national consensus agreeing with this stance.
The trial for Kohberger, charged with murdering four University of Idaho students, is set to begin in August, with evidence from the case including 911 calls and text messages potentially being presented to jurors.