Matthew Muller’s defense team did not attempt to deny that their client committed the crimes of which he was accused. However, they made it quite clear that they believed Muller was not of sound mind when he kidnapped Denise Huskins. According to The Guardian, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2008 and claimed to experience psychosis. His defense put forward his mental health issues as extenuating circumstances to argue against a life sentence.
Muller’s mental illness appears to be ongoing and in need of medical intervention. In 2021, he was set to face trial again for other charges related to the break-in, kidnap, and rape of Huskins. During this time, it was reported that the prisoner was receiving treatment at Napa State Hospital. According to The Guardian, the trial was delayed as Muller was not deemed mentally competent and was administered antipsychotic drugs to ensure he was fit to stand trial.
