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{{Short description|American former Ph.D. candidate and arsonist}}
{{Refimprove|date=June 2010}}
{{BLP sources|date=June 2010}}
{{Infobox criminal
{{Infobox criminal
| name = William "Billy" Cottrell
| name = William "Billy" Cottrell
Line 6: Line 7:
| image_caption =
| image_caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1980}}
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1980}}
| birth_place = [[Concord, North Carolina]]
| birth_place = [[Concord, North Carolina]], United States
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| alias =
| alias =
| charge = conspiracy to arson.
| charge = Conspiracy to arson
| conviction_penalty = eight (8) years.
| conviction_penalty = 8 years
| conviction_status = Released.
| conviction_status = Released
| occupation = Graduate [[Research assistant]] at the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]]
| occupation = Graduate [[research assistant]]
| spouse =
| spouse =
| parents = William Cottrell and Heidi Schwiebert
| parents = William Cottrell and Heidi Schwiebert
| children = none
}}
}}
'''William "Billy" Jensen Cottrell''' (born 1980) is a former [[Ph.D.]] candidate at the [[California Institute of Technology]] who was convicted in April 2005 of [[Conspiracy (crime)|conspiracy]] and [[arson]], associated with the destruction of 8 [[sport utility vehicle]]s and a Hummer dealership in the name of the [[Earth Liberation Front]] (ELF). He was sentenced to eight years in [[federal prison]] on arson charges and ordered to pay $3.5 million in restitution. His lawyers, however, have appealed the verdict and sentence.
'''William Jensen Cottrell''' (born 1980) is a former [[Ph.D. candidate]] at the [[California Institute of Technology]] who was convicted in April 2005 of [[Conspiracy (crime)|conspiracy]] associated with the destruction of eight [[sport utility vehicle]]s and a Hummer dealership in the name of the [[Earth Liberation Front]] (ELF). He was sentenced to eight years in [[federal prison]] on conspiracy charges and ordered to pay $3.5 million in restitution. He was released August 16, 2011.
He was released August 16, 2011.


==Early life==
==Life prior to summer 2003==


Cottrell graduated from the [[University of Chicago]] in 2002 as a double major in physics and mathematics.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=U of C prodigy imprisoned for eco-terror crime|url=https://www.chicagomaroon.com/2007/09/19/u-of-c-prodigy-imprisoned-for-eco-terror-crime/|access-date=2021-09-06|website=www.chicagomaroon.com|language=en}}</ref> He also competed on the school's [[NCAA Division III|Division III]] cross country team, where he was often called the "team genius".<ref name=":1" /> After graduating, he was accepted to the graduate physics program at [[Caltech]], where he would meet Tyler Johnson, who was also studying physics and finishing up his undergraduate work.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vincebeiser.com/hummer.html|title=Burned|date=April 10, 2005|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107024035/http://www.vincebeiser.com/hummer.html|archivedate=January 7, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Cottrell grew up in [[Concord, North Carolina|Concord]], [[North Carolina]] and [[Gainesville, Florida|Gainesville]], [[Florida]], with two younger siblings, a brother and a sister. His parents, who later divorced, are William Cottrell, an [[anesthesiologist]], and Heidi Schwiebert. According to his mother, who referred to her son as being socially retarded, and other sources, Cottrell had trouble fitting in with his peers during his childhood and adolescence. From a young age, he was fascinated with [[science]], especially [[math]] and [[physics]]. As a sixth-grader, he submitted a report on quantum mechanics for extra credit. The teacher suspected that he had [[plagiarism|plagiarized]] the work and gave him an "F" grade for the assignment. This event caused Cottrell to stop excelling in school, and led him to a life as rebel and class troublemaker. However, his love for math and physics never waned, and in high school, he began taking college-level math and physics courses at colleges near home.{{Citation needed|date=June 2012}}

Despite his poor high school academic performance, he wrote a convincing college application [[essay]] that compelled the [[University of Chicago]] to accept his admittance as part of its class of 2002. In college, he excelled academically and received many honors from the math and physics departments, and earned his bachelor's in physics. It was also the first time he found acceptance from his [[peer group|peers]], who considered him a "genius" at the time; a member of the Cross-Country team, he was also noted for being the first member of the team to "go commando" at its annual library streak.<ref>[http://chicagomaroon.com/2013/09/23/o-issue-2013-alumni/ Chicago Maroon O-Issue 2013: Alumni] September 23, 2013</ref> After graduating from college, he was accepted to the graduate physics program at [[Caltech]], where he would meet Tyler Johnson,<ref>[http://www.vincebeiser.com/hummer.html Burned] April 10, 2005|archivedate=January 7 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107024035/http://www.vincebeiser.com/hummer.html</ref> who was also studying physics and finishing up his undergraduate work. Besides physics, the two young men shared an interest in pulling [[adrenaline]]-inducing [[pranks]]. Among the pranks they pulled around Pasadena were doctoring a [[Starbucks]] sign to read "Starfucks" and pasting "Go [[metric system|Metric]]" stickers all over buildings, including the "hard-to-reach" areas.<ref>[http://www.lacitybeat.com/article.php?id=1451&IssueNum=79 A Beautiful Mind] December 9, 2004{{dead link}}</ref>


==Summer 2003 and SUV arsons==
==Summer 2003 and SUV arsons==


In August 2003, Cottrell and Tyler Johnson developed a plan to place bumper stickers on [[Sport utility vehicle|SUVs]] reading "SUV = TERRORISM."<ref name="laweekly" /> In a series of e-mails that were later recovered by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]], Cottrell attempted to recruit his friends to help him purchase the bumper stickers. Cottrell, Johnson, and Johnson's girlfriend Michie Oe are alleged to have vandalized several SUV dealerships with spray paint. At the final dealership, Clippinger Hummer, a number of SUVs were destroyed by fires started by [[Molotov cocktail]]s. The initials ELF were left on the destroyed vehicles, signifying an allegiance to the [[Earth Liberation Front]]. Cottrell and his attorneys allege that the fires were started by Johnson, while the FBI alleged that Cottrell was also directly involved.
In August 2003, Cottrell and Tyler Johnson developed a plan to place bumper stickers on [[Sport utility vehicle|SUVs]] reading "SUV = TERRORISM."<ref name="laweekly" /> In a series of emails that were later recovered by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]], Cottrell attempted to recruit friends to help him purchase the bumper stickers, and organised arson attacks on a series of Hummer dealers.{{Citation needed|date=August 2015}}

After the arsons, the FBI initially arrested Josh Connole, an activist from [[Pomona, California]]. They were eventually forced to release Connole, although they refused for over a year to acknowledge his innocence. After Connole's arrest, the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' received an e-mail from a Caltech computer. The mystery e-mailer claimed responsibility for the arsons, mocked the FBI, and mentioned the previously undisclosed detail that [[Euler's Identity]] had been spray-painted on several vehicles. The FBI traced the e-mail to Caltech, and in the early months of 2004, they interviewed numerous witnesses at Caltech and eventually arrested Cottrell. The FBI investigation, led by Special Agent Richard Smith, failed to apprehend Johnson and Oe, who are believed to have fled the country.

It was reported that on December 26, 2009, Johnson was killed when he was struck by an avalanche in [[France]]. He had been hiking in the [[Corsican mountains]] when this occurred. According to Johnson's father, his body was found by a rescue team and the French consulate notified the Johnson family about his death. Johnson's father also confirmed that Johnson had been a fugitive for six years, and corresponded with his family only through a legal representative.


==Trial==
==Trial==
He was arrested in March 2004 after law enforcement tracked him sending emails to the ''Los Angeles Times.'' The e-mails signed by "Tony Marsden" speak about what the ELF cell had done, vandalizing more than 130 SUVs parked at dealerships or residential homes, claiming they were damaging the environment. Cottrell was not charged under the [[PATRIOT Act]] as a terrorist as is often reported{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}}<!-- This reference does not report that he was charged under the Patriot Act. Does any? <ref>[http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php?story=20050516120300318 "Patriot Games"], 2005-05-16</ref> -->. Rather, he was charged with conspiracy to commit arson, arson, and one count of using a destructive device (molotov cocktails) during a crime of violence, in an October 24, 2004 Federal grand jury indictment. Cottrell's lawyers stated that he was diagnosed with [[Asperger syndrome]], an [[autism spectrum disorder]]. However, Judge Gary Klausner would not allow a defense based upon the claim that Cottrell was suffering from Asperger syndrome.<ref>[http://www.aspires-relationships.com/articles_billy_cottrell_innocent_guilty_or_duped.htm "Billy Cottrell - Innocent, Guilty or Duped?"]</ref>
He was arrested in March 2004 after law enforcement tracked him sending emails to the ''Los Angeles Times.'' The e-mails signed by "Tony Marsden" speak about what the ELF cell had done, vandalizing more than 130 SUVs parked at dealerships or residential homes, claiming they were damaging the environment.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.cdfe.org/suv_suspect_arrested.htm|title = Earth Liberation Front suspect charged in California SUV arson, vandalism raids|date = March 18, 2004|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040402024314/http://www.cdfe.org/suv_suspect_arrested.htm|archive-date = April 2, 2004|url-status = dead|publisher = Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise}}</ref> He was charged with conspiracy to commit arson, arson, and one count of using a destructive device during a crime of violence, in an October 24, 2004 Federal grand jury indictment.{{Citation needed|date=August 2015}} Cottrell's lawyers stated that he was diagnosed with [[Asperger syndrome]].<ref name=":0" /> However, Judge Gary Klausner would not allow a defense based upon the claim that Cottrell had Asperger syndrome.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.aspires-relationships.com/articles_billy_cottrell_innocent_guilty_or_duped.htm |title=Billy Cottrell - Innocent, Guilty or Duped? |publisher=Aspires-relationships.com |date= |accessdate=2015-08-26}}</ref>


At his trial, Cottrell admitted being present, but denied involvement in throwing Molotov cocktails, saying Johnson was the mastermind.
At his trial, Cottrell admitted being present, but denied involvement in throwing Molotov cocktails, saying Johnson was the mastermind.


An informal network of Cottrell supporters formed, led by the [[Earth Liberation Front]] Prisoner's Network and the Free Billy Cottrell organization. These supporters claimed that Cottrell was the innocent victim of government persecution. However, when Cottrell named Johnson as the mastermind, it prompted his Free Billy Cottrell supporters to brand him as a [[treason|traitor]], issue an apology to those who supported Cottrell,<ref>[http://www.infoshop.org/inews/comment.php?mode=view&cid=84436 Post trial joint statement from the Free Billy Support Network and the Earth Liberation Prisoners] January 11, 2005</ref><ref>[http://www.cdfe.org/cottrell_convicted.htm Ecoterrorism case decided swiftly], [[Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise]]</ref> and end all support.<ref>[http://brianoconnor.typepad.com/animal_crackers/2005/04/william_cottrel.html William Cottrell: An Unremorseful Soul on the Eve of Sentencing] April 11, 2005</ref>
An informal network of Cottrell supporters formed, led by the [[Earth Liberation Front]] Prisoner's Network and the Free Billy Cottrell organization. These supporters claimed that Cottrell was the innocent victim of government persecution. However, when Cottrell named Johnson as the mastermind, it prompted his Free Billy Cottrell supporters to brand him as a [[treason|traitor]], issue an apology to those who supported Cottrell,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infoshop.org/inews/comment.php?mode=view&cid=84436 |title=Infoshop News - your 24/7 source for news, opinion and information |website=www.infoshop.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312195829/http://www.infoshop.org/inews/comment.php?mode=view&cid=84436 |archive-date=2007-03-12}} </ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdfe.org/cottrell_convicted.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041204150126/http://www.cdfe.org/cottrell_convicted.htm |archive-date=2004-12-04 |title=Cottrell convicted}}</ref> and end all support.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://brianoconnor.typepad.com/animal_crackers/2005/04/william_cottrel.html |title=Animal Crackers: William Cottrell: An Unremorseful Soul on the Eve of Sentencing |publisher=Brianoconnor.typepad.com |date=2005-04-11 |accessdate=2015-08-26}}</ref>


==Imprisonment==
==Imprisonment==
An article in the ''[[LA Weekly]]'' <ref name="laweekly">[http://www.laweekly.com/general/features/a-terrible-thing-to-waste/15782/?page=1 "A terrible thing to waste"], Judith Lewis, ''[[LA Weekly]]'', 2007-02-28</ref> reports that Billy is being mistreated by prison guards who have labeled him a "terrorist". According to the article, he is not permitted to study physics or Mandarin Chinese, is not permitted to teach the other prisoners calculus, and has had his books and papers removed without being given a reason.
An article in the ''[[LA Weekly]]'' reports that Billy was being mistreated by prison guards who have labeled him a "terrorist". According to the article, he is not permitted to study physics or Mandarin Chinese, is not permitted to teach the other prisoners calculus, and had had his books and papers removed without being given a reason.<ref name="laweekly">{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/general/features/a-terrible-thing-to-waste/15782/?page=1 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070304065152/http://www.laweekly.com/general/features/a-terrible-thing-to-waste/15782/?page=1 |archivedate=March 4, 2007 |title=A terrible thing to waste |date=February 28, 2007 |last=Lewis |first=Judith}}</ref>


A letter in Cottrell’s defense, signed by [[Stephen Hawking]] and other prominent scientists, was distributed to prison authorities and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals at Cottrell’s October 18, 2006 hearing. "But instead of helping him in prison," the ''Weekly'' writes, "the letter seemed only to make things worse: Two weeks after the hearing, Cottrell was mysteriously thrown in the Hole."<ref name="laweekly" /> He was then transferred into another federal prison with less violent prisoners.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/the-us-addiction-to-oil-the-battered-hummer-that-symbolises-a-divided-nation-457975.html The US addiction to oil the battered Hummer that symbolises a divided nation]</ref>
A letter in Cottrell's defense, signed by [[Stephen Hawking]] and other prominent scientists, was distributed to prison authorities and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals at Cottrell's October 18, 2006 hearing.<ref name="laweekly" /> He was then transferred into another federal prison with less violent prisoners.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/the-us-addiction-to-oil-the-battered-hummer-that-symbolises-a-divided-nation-457975.html|title=The US addiction to oil: The battered Hummer that symbolises a divided nation - Climate Change, Environment - The Independent|website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |date=3 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503055247/http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/the-us-addiction-to-oil-the-battered-hummer-that-symbolises-a-divided-nation-457975.html |accessdate=23 July 2023|archive-date=2010-05-03 }}</ref> Cottrell was then able to study subjects that he was denied at the last prison and no longer had a roommate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-physicists-campaign-free-jailed-ecoterrorists-mind-/2007/07/15/2784176.htm |title=Physicists campaign to free a jailed ecoterrorist's mind |publisher=Tmcnet.com |date= |accessdate=2015-08-26}}</ref>
He, according to his father, has seen improvements. Cottrell is now allowed to study subjects that he was denied at the last prison he was at and no longer has a roommate.<ref>[http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-physicists-campaign-free-jailed-ecoterrorists-mind-/2007/07/15/2784176.htm Physicists campaign free jailed ecoterrorists mind]</ref>


==Documentary film==
==Documentary film==


A documentary film on Cottrell, titled ''Standard Deviation'', was written and directed by David Randag and Chris Brannan in 2008.<ref>[http://www.standarddeviation-themovie.com Standard Deviation -- The Movie Official Website]</ref><ref>{{IMDb title|id=1362501|title=Standard Deviation}}</ref> In 2009, it won the Emmy for best student documentary at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation's 30th College Television Awards.<ref>[http://cdn.emmys.tv/media/releases/2009/rel-ctafin.php Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation's 30th College Television Awards Tackles Provacative Topics]</ref>
A documentary film on Cottrell, titled ''Standard Deviation'', was written and directed by David Randag and Chris Brannan in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standarddeviation-themovie.com |title=Standard Deviation |publisher=Standarddeviation-themovie.com |date= |accessdate=2015-08-26}}</ref> In 2009, it won the Emmy for best student documentary at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation's 30th College Television Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cdn.emmys.tv/media/releases/2009/rel-ctafin.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326035949/http://cdn.emmys.tv/media/releases/2009/rel-ctafin.php |archive-date=2009-03-26 |title=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences}}</ref>


==Decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit==
==Decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit==
On 8 September 2009, Cottrell's convictions and sentences for arson were overturned by the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit|9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals]].<ref>[http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/memoranda/2009/09/08/05-50307am.pdf ''US v. Cottrell''], case no. 05-50307, September 8, 2009 ([[United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit]])</ref><ref name="LATimes2009">[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/09/suv-bombers-arson-convictions-overturned-sentence-vacated.html Caltech student's arson convictions are overturned in SUV bombings; sentence is vacated by appeals court]</ref> However, the conspiracy conviction and sentence were affirmed. According to the ''Times'', the omission of Cottrell's diagnosis of [[Asperger syndrome]] during his 2004 trial played a key role in the decision. The [[Federal Bureau of Prisons]] currently reports that Cottrell was released on August 16, 2011.
On 8 September 2009, Cottrell's convictions and sentences for arson were overturned by the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit|9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals]].<ref>[http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/memoranda/2009/09/08/05-50307am.pdf Court document] uscourts.gov 2009</ref><ref name="LATimes2009">{{cite web|author= |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/09/suv-bombers-arson-convictions-overturned-sentence-vacated.html |title=Caltech student's arson convictions are overturned in SUV bombings; sentence is vacated by appeals court |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2009-09-10 |accessdate=2015-08-26}}</ref> However, the conspiracy conviction and sentence were affirmed. The omission of Cottrell's diagnosis of [[Asperger syndrome]] during his 2004 trial played a key role in the decision. Cottrell was released on August 16, 2011. After his release from prison he completed his Ph.D. in theoretical and mathematical physics at the [[University of Wisconsin-Madison]] and postdoctorate research at the [[University of Amsterdam]] and [[Stanford University]].{{cn|date=August 2023}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
* {{IMDb name|8834227}}
| NAME = Cottrell, William

| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1980
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Concord, North Carolina]]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cottrell, William}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cottrell, William}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:1980 births]]
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[[Category:American people convicted of arson]]
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[[Category:American prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Earth Liberation Front]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Concord, North Carolina]]
[[Category:People from Concord, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Earth Liberation Front]]
[[Category:People with Asperger syndrome]]
[[Category:American arsonists]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of the United States federal government]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of the United States federal government]]
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[[Category:American prisoners and detainees]]
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[[Category:American people imprisoned on charges of terrorism]]
[[Category:People with Asperger syndrome]]
[[Category:United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit cases]]
[[Category:United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit cases]]
[[Category:University of Chicago alumni]]
[[Category:University of Chicago alumni]]

Latest revision as of 02:32, 1 November 2023

William "Billy" Cottrell
Born1980 (age 43–44)
Concord, North Carolina, United States
OccupationGraduate research assistant
Criminal statusReleased
Parent(s)William Cottrell and Heidi Schwiebert
Criminal chargeConspiracy to arson
Penalty8 years

William Jensen Cottrell (born 1980) is a former Ph.D. candidate at the California Institute of Technology who was convicted in April 2005 of conspiracy associated with the destruction of eight sport utility vehicles and a Hummer dealership in the name of the Earth Liberation Front (ELF). He was sentenced to eight years in federal prison on conspiracy charges and ordered to pay $3.5 million in restitution. He was released August 16, 2011.

Early life

[edit]

Cottrell graduated from the University of Chicago in 2002 as a double major in physics and mathematics.[1] He also competed on the school's Division III cross country team, where he was often called the "team genius".[1] After graduating, he was accepted to the graduate physics program at Caltech, where he would meet Tyler Johnson, who was also studying physics and finishing up his undergraduate work.[2]

Summer 2003 and SUV arsons

[edit]

In August 2003, Cottrell and Tyler Johnson developed a plan to place bumper stickers on SUVs reading "SUV = TERRORISM."[3] In a series of emails that were later recovered by the FBI, Cottrell attempted to recruit friends to help him purchase the bumper stickers, and organised arson attacks on a series of Hummer dealers.[citation needed]

Trial

[edit]

He was arrested in March 2004 after law enforcement tracked him sending emails to the Los Angeles Times. The e-mails signed by "Tony Marsden" speak about what the ELF cell had done, vandalizing more than 130 SUVs parked at dealerships or residential homes, claiming they were damaging the environment.[4] He was charged with conspiracy to commit arson, arson, and one count of using a destructive device during a crime of violence, in an October 24, 2004 Federal grand jury indictment.[citation needed] Cottrell's lawyers stated that he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.[5] However, Judge Gary Klausner would not allow a defense based upon the claim that Cottrell had Asperger syndrome.[5]

At his trial, Cottrell admitted being present, but denied involvement in throwing Molotov cocktails, saying Johnson was the mastermind.

An informal network of Cottrell supporters formed, led by the Earth Liberation Front Prisoner's Network and the Free Billy Cottrell organization. These supporters claimed that Cottrell was the innocent victim of government persecution. However, when Cottrell named Johnson as the mastermind, it prompted his Free Billy Cottrell supporters to brand him as a traitor, issue an apology to those who supported Cottrell,[6][7] and end all support.[8]

Imprisonment

[edit]

An article in the LA Weekly reports that Billy was being mistreated by prison guards who have labeled him a "terrorist". According to the article, he is not permitted to study physics or Mandarin Chinese, is not permitted to teach the other prisoners calculus, and had had his books and papers removed without being given a reason.[3]

A letter in Cottrell's defense, signed by Stephen Hawking and other prominent scientists, was distributed to prison authorities and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals at Cottrell's October 18, 2006 hearing.[3] He was then transferred into another federal prison with less violent prisoners.[9] Cottrell was then able to study subjects that he was denied at the last prison and no longer had a roommate.[10]

Documentary film

[edit]

A documentary film on Cottrell, titled Standard Deviation, was written and directed by David Randag and Chris Brannan in 2008.[11] In 2009, it won the Emmy for best student documentary at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation's 30th College Television Awards.[12]

Decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit

[edit]

On 8 September 2009, Cottrell's convictions and sentences for arson were overturned by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.[13][14] However, the conspiracy conviction and sentence were affirmed. The omission of Cottrell's diagnosis of Asperger syndrome during his 2004 trial played a key role in the decision. Cottrell was released on August 16, 2011. After his release from prison he completed his Ph.D. in theoretical and mathematical physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and postdoctorate research at the University of Amsterdam and Stanford University.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "U of C prodigy imprisoned for eco-terror crime". www.chicagomaroon.com. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  2. ^ "Burned". April 10, 2005. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c Lewis, Judith (February 28, 2007). "A terrible thing to waste". Archived from the original on March 4, 2007.
  4. ^ "Earth Liberation Front suspect charged in California SUV arson, vandalism raids". Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise. March 18, 2004. Archived from the original on April 2, 2004.
  5. ^ a b "Billy Cottrell - Innocent, Guilty or Duped?". Aspires-relationships.com. Retrieved 2015-08-26.
  6. ^ "Infoshop News - your 24/7 source for news, opinion and information". www.infoshop.org. Archived from the original on 2007-03-12.
  7. ^ "Cottrell convicted". Archived from the original on 2004-12-04.
  8. ^ "Animal Crackers: William Cottrell: An Unremorseful Soul on the Eve of Sentencing". Brianoconnor.typepad.com. 2005-04-11. Retrieved 2015-08-26.
  9. ^ "The US addiction to oil: The battered Hummer that symbolises a divided nation - Climate Change, Environment - The Independent". Independent.co.uk. 3 May 2010. Archived from the original on 2010-05-03. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  10. ^ "Physicists campaign to free a jailed ecoterrorist's mind". Tmcnet.com. Retrieved 2015-08-26.
  11. ^ "Standard Deviation". Standarddeviation-themovie.com. Retrieved 2015-08-26.
  12. ^ "Academy of Television Arts & Sciences". Archived from the original on 2009-03-26.
  13. ^ Court document uscourts.gov 2009
  14. ^ "Caltech student's arson convictions are overturned in SUV bombings; sentence is vacated by appeals court". Los Angeles Times. 2009-09-10. Retrieved 2015-08-26.
[edit]
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