Almost a yr after Charlie Kirk was shot useless at a Utah college, a choose on Tuesday is anticipated to rule whether or not the Utah man accused of killing the conservative activist will stand trial and whether or not he ought to face the dying penalty.
At a ten a.m. (1600 GMT) listening to in Provo, Utah, Choose Tony Graf will determine whether or not there may be ample proof to attempt Tyler Robinson, 23, and permit prosecutors to hunt the dying penalty for the homicide of one of many U.S. proper’s most distinguished figures.
Graf will rule from the bench after as much as 4 hours of closing arguments. Ought to he discover possible trigger for a trial, an arraignment might comply with, a Utah courts spokesperson mentioned in an e-mail. Robinson has but to enter a plea.
Prosecutors have accused the previous electrical apprentice of firing the one shot that killed Kirk, 31, as he debated with college students at Utah Valley College in Orem on September 10, 2025.
Tuesday’s proceedings comply with a week-long preliminary listening to in July that was attended by Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. She was anticipated to be at Tuesday’s session.
In the course of the preliminary listening to, prosecutors introduced what they known as “overwhelming” proof, together with take a look at outcomes that allegedly present Robinson’s DNA on the homicide weapon.
Robinson’s legal professionals questioned the prosecution’s DNA testing and mentioned police failed to analyze proof another person might need carried out the killing.
Robinson is charged with aggravated homicide for additionally endangering the lives of others on the occasion, a depend that carries the dying penalty in Utah.
His attorneys have argued the capturing shouldn’t be a capital offense because the shooter hit the “supposed goal” and didn’t put anybody else’s life in danger.
Right here’s the newest on the homicide trial of Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson:
Prosecutors additionally allege Robinson, who was in a relationship with roommate Lance Twiggs, focused Kirk for his political opinions in opposition to homosexual marriage and transgender rights.
That argument might bolster the prosecution because it pursues the dying penalty.
Protection legal professionals have mentioned there isn’t any proof Robinson disagreed with Kirk’s political opinions. Kirk, co-founder of Turning Level USA, helped construct assist for President Donald Trump amongst younger voters and aided Republican voter-turnout efforts.
At a memorial following Kirk’s capturing, Erika Kirk, who grew to become CEO and board chair of Turning Level USA after her husband’s dying, mentioned she forgave the alleged shooter. She has not commented on the dying penalty cost.
