John Odgren

Diagnoses

Passions

American youth, suffering from Asberger's Syndrome, hyperactivity, and perhaps other emotional challenges, allegedly killed a high school boy, James Alenson, by stabbing Alenson in the school bathroom. Odgren, a baby-faced 16-year old, was a highly intelligent youth according to reports. As a seventh-grader, he had shown physical and verbal abuse towards others and his parents appealed to the educational system for help. In 2000 he was diagnosed with depression and Attention Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder. He was placed in a program for pre-teens and was described as a troubled preadolescent with poor social skills. He often withdrew completely, staying in his room in a fetal position and he would sometimes become confused or hostile when asked to do something. In 2002 he had several "explosive episodes." In March 2003 his parents, fearing for his safety, removed him to another program in Belmont at which he seemed to show vast improvement. In September 2006 he entered Lincoln-Sudbury High School in Lincoln, MA, as a sophomore. He was supported by a program for teens with emotional problems. On January 19, 2007, Odgren allegedly followed his victim, whom he apparently did not know, into the bathroom and fatally stabbed 15-year-old James Alenson. Following the incident, other high schoolers revealed that Odgren had been teased for his odd behavior, for wearing a trenchcoat in school and for talking about the Columbine school murders. Some also revealed that they had been threatened by Odgren in the past. As of August 2008 Odgren's trial has been postponed.