The Utah correctional facility, where Tyler Robinson might spend his remaining days if found guilty of Charlie Kirk’s murder, has been beset with numerous deplorable issues since it opened three years ago.
Robinson, age 22, was taken into custody on Thursday night for allegedly assassinating the conservative commentator during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday.
He is facing charges of aggravated murder, first-degree obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm, causing serious bodily injury.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has said the state plans to seek the death penalty.
If convicted, Robinson will likely be sent to the Utah State Correctional Facility, in Salt Lake City.
This replacement facility for the old state prison began operations in 2022, featuring 3,600 beds and various security levels, from general population to maximum, and also accommodates death row inmates.
Situated five miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, the modern prison boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that provide prisoners with natural light and views of the nearby mountains.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested Thursday night over the assassination of the right-wing commentator
If convicted, Robinson will likely be sent to the Utah State Correctional Facility, in Salt Lake City
The 3,600-bed facility replaced the old state prison in 2022 and offers multiple security levels from general population to maximum
Kirk was fatally shot in the neck at his event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday
It also offers mental health, geriatric, and medical care, and houses both male and female inmates and those on death row.
Currently housing approximately 2,500 inmates, the facility also includes a death chamber, which Robinson might face if condemned to capital punishment. The state permits execution via lethal injection or firing squad.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding the new $1 billion prison, it has faced challenges such as disease outbreaks, infestations, drug-related issues, and chronic understaffing right from the beginning.
Scabies Outbreak
This spring, 140 inmates were treated for scabies inside a housing unit in the prison, according to the Utah Department of Health.
A geriatric patient tested positive for the disease, causing two units of inmates to undergo testing and treatment.
The units held geriatric and medically-dependent men, who live in dormitory-style housing with four-bed pods, the department said.
Only one patient tested positive for the skin condition, but all bedding and clothing had to be washed with disinfectant and the prison units had to be deep cleaned.
Scabies is highly contagious and is a condition caused by an infestation of parasitic mites that can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact.
The Utah State Correctional Facility, in Salt Lake City, (seen from above) opened in 2022
A medical room seen in the new state prison as it was opened in the summer of 2022
Inside a maximum security unit inside the new Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City
Mosquito Issue
The prison is located in a remote wetland area, which is a great breeding ground for mosquitoes due to the standing water nearby.
Following an infestation, Utah legislators had to approve $300,000 in funds to get rid of the pests that were bothering staff and inmates.
In July 2023, lotion-based mosquito repellent was handed out to staff and inmates free of charge, according to Utah Department of Corrections (UDC).
Those in higher security facilities will only have access to it during recreational times, while those in general population can use it at any time.
‘We take the concerns about mosquitoes seriously and are working to alleviate as many concerns as possible,’ UDC Assistant Deputy Executive Director, Spencer Turley, said at the time.
Additional repellent is also available to purchase via commissary.
Drug Problem
At least three visitors have been arrested for bringing drugs into the facility, according to KSL.
The trio was arrested across an eight-day period and all of them were attempting to give the drugs to inmates.
One visitor cut a hole in a plexiglass barrier to pass what is believed to be Suboxone, a medication that is typically used to treat opioid addiction, to an inmate, the outlet reported.
The visitor admitted the act to officers after being detained, saying she used her car key to pass a piece of paper containing 10 strips of an orange substance through a hole.
The prison replaced the old Utah State Correctional Facility in Draper (pictured) when it opened three years ago
Understaffed and Assaulted
Three correction officers were assaulted inside the new facility in January 2023, prison officials said.
The prison added more cameras and other safety measures to help protect the staff and inmates following the incidents.
In February 2023, Utah State Correctional Facility staff admitted they were grappling with understaffing, Fox 13 News Utah reported.
To properly run the facility, it would need to employ around 135 correctional officers. At the time, the prison had less than half of that.
This meant there was not enough officers to properly parole inmates, including in its maximum security lockup.
At one point, the prison had to close three housing units due to low staffing. It is unclear if those units have opened since.
Correctional officers from other state prisons were rotated on shifts to help the facility.
Despite the many problems, the facility did have something to celebrate recently as it launched its first half-marathon in August
The facility (seen in June 2022) is currently home to 2,500 inmates of varying security levels
To properly run the facility, it would need to employ around 135 correctional officers. In the spring of 2023 – not long after it opened – the prison had less than half that number
Half Marathon
Despite the many problems, the facility did have something to celebrate recently as it launched its first half-marathon in August.
Forty-five inmates participated in the event that saw them run around the prison yard after months of training.
Inside Death Row
The facility is currently preparing to undertake its first execution in the new facility.
Ralph Menzie’s execution was scheduled for September 5, but a week prior, it was called off by the Utah Supreme Court, according to the Utah News Dispatch.
The 67-year-old will undergo an evaluation to determine if he is competent to undergo the execution.
Prior to the court’s decision, the facility made preparations for the execution, including taking out the gurney that would be used for lethal injections, KSL reported in July.
In the execution chamber, an all-black chair with straps was set up surrounded by a wall of all black cushions.
A firing squad would consist of an eight-person team, including five shooters.
