Renowned microbiologist charged with murder asks to be freed to help fight coronavirus

Lanthem is known for his work on the bubonic plague and he argued that his research could help save lives.

A world-renowned microbiologist charged with killing his boyfriend has asked to be released from jail to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Wyndham Lathem, a 45-year-old former Northwestern University professor and infectious disease expert, made the request last week from Chicago’s Cook County Jail, where he has been since his July 2017 arrest for allegedly stabbing Trenton Cornell-Duranleau, 26, to death.

Lanthem is known for his work on the bubonic plague and he argued that his research could help save lives in his bid for freedom, according to The Chicago Sun Times.

‘With his background experience, Dr Lathem is well-suited to advise and participate in studies that are aimed at understanding SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic,’ wrote Dr Willliam Goldman, a professor in North Carolina, in Lathem’s appeal.

‘It would make sense to take advantage of as many experts as possible during this worldwide crisis that is rapidly expanding in scope.’

However, the appeal was rejected on Friday by Judge Charles Burns, according to court records.

Lathem’s lawyer, Adam Sheppard, said his client also suffers health conditions that put him at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms if he contracts the virus.

‘We are deeply concerned about his health. He had been hopeful that he might get out (on bond), but he was not overly optimistic,’ Sheppard said.

Lathem is charged with Cornell-Duranleau’s murder alongside Oxford University employee Andrew Warren after police said the pair concocted a plan to kill Lathem’s boyfriend, whose body was found stabbed 47 times at the microbiologist’s apartment.

Warren pleaded guilty last year and agreed to testify against Lathem, who has not admitted to the charges.