Judge Brian Coberger says autism cannot become the death penalty factor
Published on April 9, 2025 at 11:59 AM PDT
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Brian Coberger’s autism diagnosis may appear in his murder trial, but the state will not argue that he has taken his suspicious crime to an even more serious level… because the judge has decided they can’t.
Kohberger appeared in court on Wednesday, and the conversation turned into a recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder… The judge should not be used by Idaho at the sentencing stage as a “greater factor.” BK’s lawyers argued that the diagnosis should prevent him from being sentenced to death.
“Factors that make the case even more violent, indicating a lack of regret, for example, making the plan even more violent, committing actions in front of a child. Therefore, the judge essentially grants the defense’s request.
Judge Stephen Hippler said the state should not use Coberger’s diagnosis to make such a argument if it reaches the penalty stage. Therefore, if you find him guilty, don’t expect to hear it.
But Judge Hippler revealed that it is all he is stopping to do for now…and, other discussions about Kohberger’s autism spectrum disorder will be handled separately.
You know… Kohberger is trying to endure a trial in November 2022 that allegedly killed four University of Idaho students. He was arrested in Pennsylvania about a month later.
Play video content1/23/25 Idaho 4th District Court
Brian was diagnosed with ASD in February… his team claims he should stop taking the death penalty.
Kohberger’s trial is scheduled to begin in August 2025.
