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Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, disclosed in a handwritten court filing that he had been diagnosed with multiple mental health and neurological disorders months before entering his guilty plea.
According to a June 2025 filing obtained by People, the 30-year-old inmate revealed that he was diagnosed with "Autism (level 1); OCD; ADHD; ARFID." Kohberger wrote that all four diagnoses were made in February 2025 while he was in custody awaiting trial. He also noted he was prescribed levothyroxine, a medication commonly used to treat hypothyroidism.
The court document, dated June 29, was submitted just three days before Kohberger formally pled guilty on July 2 to the murders of Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. He also admitted to one count of burglary.
Kohberger clarified in the filing that the diagnoses and medication did not impact his understanding of the legal process. He stated that his conditions would have "no effect on understanding the court proceedings or what it meant to plead guilty to a crime."
The listed disorders vary widely in their symptoms and impacts. Autism level 1 is considered the mildest form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, often involving difficulties in social communication or interaction. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring unwanted thoughts that may lead to repetitive behaviors.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by challenges with focus, attention, and organization. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involves limiting food intake based on sensory sensitivities or fears, differing from other eating disorders as it is not tied to body image concerns.
Kohberger's confession came just days after the court filing. On July 2, he admitted in court to killing the four students at their off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho. Three weeks later, he was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, in addition to a 10-year sentence for burglary. He was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine for each murder count and a $5,000 civil penalty to each victim's family.
Kohberger is currently serving his sentences in prison, where he will remain for life.
