The Feather Thief

Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen oversaw Edwin’s psychological investigation. After speaking with Edwin about the Tring heist and evaluating his psychological questionnaire, Dr. Baron-Cohen diagnoses Edwin with Asperger’s syndrome. The psychologist did not believe greed drove Edwin to commit the crime, but Edwin’s obsession with fly-tying. Dr. Baron-Cohen does not believe that Edwin will attempt a similar crime in the future because he has learned his lesson. He believes Edwin should receive counseling and resources, rather than going to prison. He also encouraged Edwin to continue his hobby as a form of therapy, even suggesting that Edwin include an autobiographic chapter in his planned book “to explain how his undiagnosed [Asperger’s] led him to commit a crime which he now regrets” (160).

Johnson describes Edwin’s sentencing day. His crimes carried a maximum sentence of around 10 years. The prosecutor knew about Edwin’s Asperger’s diagnosis. However, he believed that Edwin understood the consequences of his theft. In fact, the prosecutor argued that greed and money motivated Edwin to steal the bird skins.

He supported this argument with over two dozen pieces of evidence, including the Word document titled “PLAN FOR MUSEUM INVASION” (142). The prosecutor also read a report from one of the museum officials which detailed how the crime resulted in a loss of scientific knowledge.