PROVO, Utah – A decision looms as a Utah judge prepares to rule on whether certain portions of a crucial hearing in the murder case against Tyler Robinson, charged with the killing of Charlie Kirk, will be closed to the public and the press.
The defense team for Robinson has filed a motion requesting Judge Tony Graf to limit access to the preliminary hearing scheduled for July 6-10. During this hearing, prosecutors must demonstrate sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. This will be the most comprehensive presentation of evidence thus far in a case that has heavily concentrated on the issue of media access.
Robinson’s attorneys are also seeking to seal several exhibits that the prosecution plans to present in July, arguing that public exposure could potentially bias the jury pool before the trial occurs.
In light of the substantial public interest surrounding the case, Robinson’s legal team has been cautious about media portrayals that they claim have misrepresented their client. The 23-year-old, hailing from southwestern Utah, faces charges including aggravated murder for the September 10 killing of Kirk at Utah Valley University.
The prosecution has announced intentions to pursue the death penalty if Robinson is found guilty. To date, Robinson has not entered a plea.
While prosecutors advocate for keeping the preliminary hearing open to the public, they concur that the media should be restricted from accessing or duplicating certain exhibits potentially used in a future trial. The evidence set to be introduced includes forensic reports, surveillance footage, witness testimonies, autopsy results, and purported messages from Robinson confessing to the crime.
Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle used to kill Kirk, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle. Prosecutors also have said Robinson left a note for his romantic partner that read, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
