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
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