Idaho Judge Rules Death Penalty Can Remain An Option in Trial

It's the murder case that shocked not only America--but the globe. Four University of Idaho students stabbed to death in the middle of the night--and prosecutors say it was done by one man--Bryan Kohberger.

Thousands if not hundreds of thousands of eyeballs have been on the Ada County Courthouse livestream and the State of Idaho's case page over the course of the last few months as more and more court documents are uploaded and as Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger appears in court for a series of hearings that are leading up to the high profile 2025 trial.

While new information continues to come out in 'batches'-- viewers have been able to get a closer look at how Bryan Kohberger's defense team will be approaching things, especially in regards to the death penalty.

In their latest attempt to have the option for the death penalty removed from the table--Kohberger's defense team argued that the death penalty would be 'dehumanizing', as they've discovered that Kohberger has Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Judge in the case ruled late last week, however, that the option for death penalty will remain alive.

According to Judge Steven Hippler, "no court has ever found ASD to be a categorically death-disqualifying diagnosis" and continued his explanation that autism spectrum disorder does not qualify under the law as an exemption for the death penalty.

One particularly applicable twist here in Idaho, is the State's recent passing of the firing squad as a possible means of execution--and took it one step further: it's Idaho's primary means of execution. This suggests that if found guilty and sentenced to death--Kohberger would likely be shot to death.

Many faith based groups have spoken out against the passing. The Roman Catholic Church also stands strongly against the death penalty--particularly championed by the late Pope Francis.

In a public statement made by the Diocese of Boise, Bishop Peter Christensen wrote: 

Whether we live in Idaho or anywhere else in the world, Catholics need to stand firm on the Gospel we preach. Therefore, we oppose this means of execution and every other form of capital punishment. We are people who strive to promote redemption and peace.