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Tyler Robinson’s new defense attorney has an uphill battle representing the accused assassin of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, experts say.
“The primary objective for Tyler Robinson’s newly appointed, well-respected defense lawyers is to ensure he avoids a death sentence,” explained Randolph Rice, a Maryland lawyer and legal commentator observing the case closely. “That’s likely their current priority, or at least a central consideration at this stage.”
One strategy could involve negotiating a plea agreement to eliminate the death penalty, similar to Bryan Kohberger’s defense in the Idaho student murder case. Such a process might unfold over several months or even years.
With 30 years of experience handling capital defense cases in states like California and Utah, Nester has defended numerous high-profile individuals, most recently Kouri Richins—a Utah mother accused of murdering her husband, subsequently penning a book for children on coping with loss.
She did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Utah defense attorney Kathryn Nester, depicted in the composite image on the left, has been designated to represent the accused killer of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, shown on the right.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray’s office announced the prosecution’s trial team would include six attorneys on Monday.
The team includes heavyweights such as Gray, having served 23 years with the state attorney general’s office and argued cases before both the U.S. and Utah Supreme Courts; Chad Grunander, noted for prosecuting Utah’s inaugural televised trial and securing convictions in cold cases and police murder confrontations; Christopher Ballard, who has tackled over 175 appeals; Ryan McBride, the 2022 Utah Prosecutor of the Year; David Sturgill, a seasoned prosecutor and adjunct professor at UVU; and Lauren Hunt, whose contributions to the prosecution against double-homicide suspect Christopher Poulson were recognized by the FBI.
Judge Tony Graf is seen entering the courtroom as Tyler Robinson, accused of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, participates in a virtual court session from incarceration on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in Provo, Utah.
Robinson is due back in court on Monday for a waiver hearing, which will determine whether the defense forces prosecutors to present probable cause before the case proceeds.
Declining to waive is a defensive strategy that would give his attorneys access to additional discovery materials and a chance to cross-examine state witnesses early on, Rice said.
Prosecutors have charged Robinson with seven counts, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty, felony firearms charges, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing violence in the presence of a child.
He has not yet entered a plea.
