CHICAGO (AP) — A former Northwestern University professor charged in the murder of his boyfriend was rebuffed by a judge when he asked to be released from a Chicago jail so this research skills can be used to battle COVID-19.

Wyndham Lathem asked last week to be freed from Cook County Jail on $1 million bail. In addition to his research skills, Lathem also cited health issues that put him at greater risk if he contracts coronavirus.

The microbiologist gained renown for his research on the bubonic plague. He is accused in the 2017 stabbing death of Trenton Cornell-Duranleau. He is awaiting trial on the charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty.