PROVO, Utah — A key challenge in the prosecution’s case against Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk, may lie in the timeline of events, as noted by a well-regarded defense attorney in Utah. This attorney anticipates that the defense will extend the discovery phase for up to a year before a preliminary hearing takes place.
Charlie Kirk, aged 31 and a father of two, was fatally shot around 12:20 p.m. on September 10 while delivering a speech at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was a co-founder of this conservative student group, which had significant national influence and played a role in rekindling youth support for the Republican Party.
“There’s just so much we don’t know yet as this case develops,” said Skye Lazaro, of the Salt Lake City firm, Ray Quinney & Nebeker.
The defense team, like the prosecution, still lacks full information. The discovery process started on Monday, with prosecutors given five days to make initial disclosures. Meanwhile, Robinson’s team has already requested a one-month delay for his waiver hearing.
A split showing four photographs of the person of interest in Charlie Kirk’s assassination on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. (Utah Public Safety)
The Justice Department has not yet announced federal charges, but they remain a possibility.
The defense attorney sought additional time from the court to determine whether Robinson will demand a preliminary hearing. This proceeding requires the prosecution to demonstrate probable cause in court before the case advances.
Although it’s unlikely that Robinson’s defense will succeed in dismissing the case at this preliminary stage, the hearing could provide them an opportunity to strengthen their position before the trial. They would be able to cross-examine witnesses and evaluate their responses under intense scrutiny.
“It’s probable cause, it’s in a light most favorable to the state,” Lazaro said.
In Utah, proceedings for serious felony cases, like that of Robinson who faces an aggravated murder charge that could lead to the death penalty, can be prolonged, with preliminary hearings potentially delayed for several months to a year, according to attorney Lazaro.
His next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 30 in Provo, but Lazaro said she expects his defense to ask for more time once again.
