Inclusion Daily Express -- Attorneys Argue Over Murder Suspect's Asperger Syndrome

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Attorneys Argue Over Murder Suspect's Asperger Syndrome
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
March 6, 2008

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS--Prosecution and defense lawyers argued Thursday over the role Asperger syndrome did or did not play in the fatal stabbing of a Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School student.

The case centers on John Odgren, 17, who is accused of using a long kitchen knife to stab to death fellow student James Alenson in a school restroom on the morning of January 19, 2007.

Odgren reportedly told police at the scene that he did kill the 15-year-old Alenson, but did not know why. He added that he had never met Alenson before he walked into the restroom that morning.

A grand jury later indicted Odgren and he was charged with first-degree murder.

From the beginning, the media and attorneys from both sides have focused on Odgren's diagnosis, which is considered a form of autism.

During Thursday's hearing, Odgren's defense attorney Jonathan Shapiro asked Judge Isaac Borenstein to throw out the original indictment, saying the grand jury might have considered a lesser charge -- such as manslaughter or second-degree murder -- if they had known more about Asperger syndrome.

Shapiro said the crime called for a level of premeditation that Odgren simply did not possess because of his disability.

"Aspects of Asperger's syndrome interfere with executive function -- the ability to plan, the ability to premeditate," he said.

Prosecutors, on the other hand, have argued that Odgren had a history of violence and an obsession for weapons and criminal forensics.

Assistant Middlesex District Attorney Daniel J. Bennett told the judge that the grand jury had plenty of information about Odgren's disability.

Bennett added that, regardless of his disability, the evidence of Odgren's "premeditation and extreme atrocity or cruelty is overwhelming."

If Judge Borenstein tosses out the indictment, the case will have to go before a new grand jury. If not, Odgren's trial will begin on September 15.

Related:
"Lawyers spar over role of Asperger's syndrome in school slaying" (Boston Globe)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/2008/red/0306c.htm
"Fear Of The Unknown Focuses Blame On Teen's Diagnosis" January 31, 2007 (Inclusion Daily Express Archives)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/archives/07/01/31/013107maodgren.htm

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