Bryan Kohberger‘s autism diagnosis may come up at his murder trial, but the state won’t argue it elevated his alleged crimes to an even more severe level … because a judge just ruled they can’t.

Kohberger appeared in court Wednesday, and the conversation turned to his recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder … which the judge made clear should not be used by the state of Idaho during the sentencing phase — if he’s found guilty — as an “aggravating factor.” BK’s attorney argued the diagnosis should keep him from being sentenced to death.

An “aggravating factor” is a factor in the case which makes the crime even more heinous … such as premeditation, committing the act in front of a child, or showing a lack of remorse, for example. So the judge is basically granting the defense’s request.

However, Judge Hippler made it clear that’s all he’s stopping the prosecution from doing for now … and, other arguments regarding Kohberger’s autism spectrum disorder will be handled individually.

As you know … Kohberger is going to stand trial for allegedly killing four University of Idaho students back in November 2022. He was arrested about a month later in Pennsylvania.

Bryan was diagnosed with ASD in February … which his team argues should stop him from getting the death penalty.