Aug 25, 2014 10:34 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Cody Cousins, a 24-year-old former Purdue University student, has pled guilty to murder stemming from his shooting and stabbing of a teaching assistant at the school's Electrical Engineering Building.

According to the Lafayette Journal and Courier, Cousins admitted at a hearing last week to shooting and stabbing Andrew Boldt, 21, on Jan. 21. He did not speak to his motive, but that he went to the campus with the intention of killing Boldt.

Cousins pled guilty without a deal in place in order to reserve the right to factor mental illness into his sentence.

"The 'guilty but mentally ill' will be argued at the sentencing Sept. 19," Kirk Freeman, Cousins' public defender, told the Courier.

Cousins cannot be found not guilty by reason of insanity, but a judge can take it into account when levying a sentence. Cousins faces 45 to 65 years, but if he exhibits an insufficient understanding of his crime, he may be able to receive mental treatment during his time in prison.

In Jan. Cousins entered a not guilty plea before asking for a new venue and new counsel, WLFI reported. His attorney then employed the insanity defense.

After Cousins' hearing Thrusday, WLFI reported that his mother sought out the television crew and mentioned the word anosognosia, which means, "lack of insight and/or awareness." The term is used to explain why some people with certain personality disorders do not take their medication. It is unclear if this will be factor at Cousins' sentencing.

The Los Angeles Times reported in Jan. that both Cousins and Boldt were teaching assistant in Purdue's Electrical Engineering program. Police had said that, before the shooting, they encountered Cousins for an alcohol-related incident.

According to student accounts at the time, the Purdue community and the school's marching band packed full in front of the Hovde Hall for a vigil in Boldt's memory.

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