A Look Into Kohberger's Mind With Psychologist John Delatorre

Sep 05, 2023, 09:00 PM

Bryan Kohberger, a serial killer accused, is currently feeling the pressure as he waits for more time for his defense team to craft a more substantial defense. This was discussed in a recent episode of "Hidden Killers," a podcast by Tony Brueski featuring psychologist John Delatorre. Delatorre suggests that Kohberger might be experiencing anxiety as he waits, which he might turn into disdain, blaming others for the delay in his trial. Despite the popular belief that serial killers are devoid of emotions, Delatorre believes that they indeed feel emotions like anxiety and nervousness. He says, "I think he might be unwilling to allow himself to feel the vulnerable emotion of anxiety, of nervousness, and instead turns it outwards and probably blames everybody else for kind of getting in the way of him having a speedy trial."
 
 This raises a question on the defense team's strategy. Despite pushing for a speedy trial for quite some time, they suddenly waived the right when the moment arrived. Delatorre thinks that it was more trial tactics rather than an actual desire for a speedy trial. He believes it probably came to the last minute before they were able to convince Kohberger that waiving a right to a speedy trial was necessary to establish a solid defense.
 
 The discussion also touched upon the concern about pictures and videos of Kohberger in the courtroom, and whether it could affect a possible jury's attitude towards the case. Delatorre dispelled the notion that having knowledge of the case would influence a potential jury member's verdict rendering. He emphasized that a verdict should be rendered based on the evidence observed during the course of the trial, not on previous exposure. However, he acknowledges that people aren't robots, and their emotional experiences and decision-making processes will be colored by the material they have previously seen about Kohberger.
 
 With a myriad of pictures and videos of Kohberger already circulating the internet, the discussion questions whether it is a losing battle to argue against cameras in the courtroom. Delatorre argues that it might be more advantageous to coach Kohberger on how to appear more likable or less standoffish to the camera. He adds, "It can't just be that you look better or that you're more like, you have to look more human...You're supposed to be able to look like you have actual real emotions and you experience real emotions at appropriate times." Delatorre also highlights that attorneys often end up being the proxy of what they want their defendants to be, emphasizing the importance of how attorneys present themselves to the media.
 
 The episode shines a light on the psychological aspects that come into play in legal proceedings involving serial killers. From the emotions experienced by the accused to the strategies employed by the defense and the influence of media on potential jury members, it underscores the complexities involved in such high-profile cases. Delatorre's insights provide a valuable perspective on the challenges faced by all parties involved and the importance of considering the human element in the legal process.
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