It was the most impactful Islamist terror attack on New York City since 9-11, and it happened on Halloween. Saipov, soon after swearing allegiance to ISIS, drove a rented van down Manhattan’s West Side Highway and into the walkway of Hudson River Park, killing eight and injuring a dozen more. Federal prosecutors retained The Forensic Panel early in the proceedings to guide on sources of evidence informing his trajectory into mass murder, identify potential mitigation and then, to assess the mitigation presented for sentencing. The long-haul trucker had a demonstrated history of having immersed himself in militant propaganda. The Forensic Panel’s forensic psychiatrist accounted for Saipov’s Uzbek background and the history of exported militant Islam from that country.
The defense raised claims of brain damage and aimed to use neuroradiology evidence to advance these arguments. Neuropsychology and neuroradiology specialists from The Forensic Panel debunked efforts to insert specious science into the proceedings. After the defense team withdrew their proposed “scientific” testimony, the sentencing phase proceeded based on case evidence and other history of the defendant and what would reflect on his culpability. Saipov was sentenced to eight life terms and 260 years in prison.
