LOS ANGELES (AP) Lawyers for a graduate student indicted in a
series of firebombings and vandalizing of sport utility vehicles
hope to use his mental state as a defense during trial.
William Jensen Cottrell, 24, a physics student at the California
Institute of Technology, was indicted in March in connection with
damage and destruction of about 125 vehicles at car dealerships and
homes in August 2003 in the San Gabriel Valley. Authorities said
the attacks caused $2.3 million damage.
Cottrell's lawyers said last week that a defense expert has
diagnosed him with Asperger's syndrome, which also is known as
``high-functioning autism.''
They filed court notices indicating their intent to raise the
issue during trial, and hope to argue that the condition made him
incapable of arson conspiracy.
Mayock's co-counsel, Marvin Rudnick, alluded to such a defense
in March when he mentioned Cottrell in reference to the 2001 film
``A Beautiful Mind,'' which focuses on a schizophrenic math genius.
Those who have Asperger's syndrome tend to take matters too
literally and are prone to bouts of confusion, the lawyers said.
They also argue Cottrell could have been duped into
participating in the vandalism spree.
``If 'Rain Man' was adopted by Jesse James, would 'Rain Man' be
a criminal?'' Rudnick told the Pasadena Star-News.
Cottrell faces a nine-count indictment, including one count of
using a destructive device in a violent crime, and could sentences
ranging from 35 years to life in prison if convicted. His trial is
set to begin Oct. 26.
Information from: Pasadena Star-News,
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)