An American microbiology professor charged with murdering his boyfriend asked to be freed from jail so he could help with the war on coronavirus.

Wyndham Lathem, 45, argued that his academic

An American microbiology professor charged with murdering his boyfriend asked to be freed from jail so he could help with the war on coronavirus.

Wyndham Lathem, 45, argued that his academic knowledge could be of value in efforts to tackle the epidemic during an emergency hearing over videolink.

But his request to be released on bail was denied by Cook County judge Charles Burns, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.  

Before the scientist was accused of the 2017 stabbing of partner Trenton Cornell-Duranleau, 26, Latham worked at Northwestern University in Illinois.

Wyndham Lathem, 45, said his academic knowledge could be of value during an emergency hearing over videolink with a Cook County judge (pictured in 2017 escorted into the police station in Chicago)

His claim to possess useful research skills was bolstered by the remarks of a fellow microbiologist, who provided a statement to Latham's appeal.

William Goldman, chairman of microbiology and immunology at the University of North Carolina, said: 'With his background and 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.

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

Lathem's lawyer Adam Sheppard said he was disappointed by the ruling, adding that his client reported mild symptoms of Covid-19 on Friday.

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

Lathem's alleged accomplice, Oxford University finance officer Andrew Warren (left), pleaded guilty last year for his part in Trenton Cornell-Duranleau's (right) stabbing 

Lathem's alleged accomplice, Oxford University finance officer Andrew Warren, pleaded guilty last year in a deal that calls for him to give evidence against the professor, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Cornell-Duranleau, a Michigan native and hairstylist who had been living in Lathem's high-rise Chicago condo, was dead in the building on July 27, 2017. 

Police said he suffered 47 stab wounds, as well as 'mutilations,' to his upper body.

Latham was fired from Northwestern, where he had taught since 2007, after he fled when a warrant for his arrest was sought.

When he and Warren were charged nearly three years ago, prosecutors said they had met in on online chat room where they discussed 'sexual fantasies', which included murdering someone. 

The United States is currently wrestling with the world's worst coronavirus outbreak, which has killed 23,675 and infected 588,421.