() In the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting, questions now shift to how attorneys will pick a jury for his alleged killer, Tyler Robinson.
Dr. Lillian Glass, a jury consultant, told “Banfield” in an appearance Monday that finding an impartial jury is the “bottom line” in the case.
“That’s the key,” Glass says. “That is the key, no matter what, because we do live in a society where you have to be unbiased” in court.
“One of the interesting aspects of facing trial in Utah is that despite being a conservative state, 60 percent of the population is Mormon. They often claim impartiality when determining the outcome of a case,” she remarked.
Because Kirk’s homicide occurred in Utah, Robinson may receive the death penalty if found guilty. Should he be convicted of aggravated murder, Robinson could alternatively be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison without the option of parole.
Glass noted that many leaders within the Latter-day Saints church support the death penalty, which could complicate the defense’s efforts if Robinson is convicted.
Lawyers need to ask lengthy questions: Jury consultant
Glass acknowledged that trying to find the right people should be done with lengthy and particular questioning throughout the selection process.
“Investigate their history,” she advised. “Do they have a family member who has ever been assaulted or murdered? Are any of their relatives in the medical profession?”
“I want to understand their perspective on law enforcement. I’m curious about their views on the presumption of innocence and how they believe others might react to it.”
Along with the questioning for prospective jurors, Glass believes looking at everything is crucial. One of the main sticking points: social media.
“It has to be very quick because this is a quick process,” she says. “You don’t have hours and hours to do this.”
Federal government charging Tyler Robinson
confirmed with a Department of Justice source that Robinson is expected to be federally charged.
Robinson was apprehended on charges including suspicion of aggravated murder, unlawful discharge of a firearm resulting in serious injury, and obstructing justice, as stated in court records.
Utah’s top law enforcement official said Monday that significant evidence in the assassination of Charlie Kirk will be made public following the suspect’s initial court appearance.
