Bryan Kohberger’s mental health disorders could be a significant factor in his effort to withdraw his guilty plea and undergo a trial for the murders of four University of Idaho students, according to experts. Kohberger, aged 31, had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen last July, which occurred in a rental home near the university’s Moscow, Idaho campus in November 2022. He is currently serving four life sentences consecutively.
Recently, Kohberger filed a petition seeking post-conviction relief, arguing that his legal representation led him to accept a plea that removed the death penalty without adequately representing him. Prosecutors have not yet responded, though Idaho’s Attorney General Raúl R. Labrador affirmed his office’s commitment to ensuring justice.
Unsealed court filings have brought attention to a neuropsychological evaluation conducted on Kohberger. His attorneys had Dr. Rachel Orr, a clinical neuropsychologist, examine him. Kohberger was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a point his attorneys used unsuccessfully in attempts to have the death penalty removed as an option.
Legal Implications of Mental Health Diagnoses
Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers and a former federal prosecutor, explained that these diagnoses alone may not sway a judge to disregard Kohberger’s guilty plea. However, if Kohberger can prove that his attorneys misled him or his mental conditions affected his understanding, these diagnoses could become relevant in plea withdrawal proceedings.
Details of the Evaluation
Dr. Orr evaluated Kohberger on six occasions between October 2024 and January 2025. His diagnoses included:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1) without intellectual or language impairment
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in partial remission
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Previous conditions listed in the report included Developmental Coordination Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Unspecified Depressive Disorder, and Opioid Use Disorder.
Trial and Sentencing Considerations
According to Rahmani, while Kohberger’s chances of successfully withdrawing his plea are low, he emphasized that the disorders would not be central at a trial. These diagnoses don’t relate to the murder allegations.
Criminal law professor Laurie Levenson noted Kohberger’s potential difficulty in adapting to prison life might motivate his wish for a trial. If this case goes to trial, prosecutors may leverage any evaluation conducted on Kohberger.
Kohberger’s psychological evaluations might influence sentencing should he face a new trial and potential death penalty after withdrawing the plea. Under the previous plea deal, the death penalty was removed from consideration. Judge Steven Hippler had once ruled that autism does not qualify as a death penalty disqualification.
Expert Analysis on Disorders
Dr. Ty Milton, an assistant professor from Mid-America Christian University, highlighted the comprehensive nature of Kohberger’s evaluations. He cautioned that while the diagnoses are clinically significant, they do not justify violent behavior nor imply a lack of understanding of his situation.
Milton stressed that such conditions might influence cognitive functions like decision-making and dealing under stress, but these are not direct indicators of criminal behavior.
Next Steps
Idaho prosecutors are expected to respond to Kohberger’s petition soon. Idaho law allows the state 30 days post-application to file an answer or seek dismissal. Judge Steven Hippler will then decide on dismissing the case or progressing to further proceedings like an evidentiary hearing.