Two attorneys from Utah have expressed confidence that the newly appointed Judge Tony Graf will deliver impartiality, expertise, and steady oversight to the state’s highly anticipated murder trial. This case is being described by one lawyer as “the most significant legal matter in Utah’s history.”
Defense lawyer Skye Lazaro shared with Fox News Digital her belief that Judge Graf will handle the prominent trial, involving Tyler Robinson, who is charged with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, with thoroughness and equilibrium.
“Judge Graf is incredibly conscientious and fair,” Lazaro remarked. “I anticipate he will approach his judicial duties with utmost seriousness as he navigates this case.”
Graf, who has a robust background as a Utah prosecutor prior to his judicial appointment, will preside over the case against Robinson, accused of the highly publicized murder of the founder of Turning Point USA. Lazaro, familiar with Graf’s professional history, believes his prior experience is an asset that won’t hinder his fairness.
Judge Tony Graf of the Fourth District Court reviewed the charges as Tyler Robinson, 22, suspected in the shooting of Charlie Kirk, made his initial appearance via video on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (Scott G. Winterton/Pool via Deseret News)
“His knowledge of the criminal justice system is extensive. I don’t foresee it influencing his decisions either way,” she noted. “He will adjudicate to the best of his ability, guided by the evidence presented.”
Attorney Nathan Evershed, who is not connected to the Robinson case but previously worked alongside Graf, told Fox News Digital: “This case is not only big, it literally could be the biggest legal case in Utah history. There’s not really been a case like this of such not only national but international significance.”
He noted that Graf had “less than two months on the bench” when he was assigned the case, calling the appointment “apparently… randomly allocated.”
Evershed, who served with Graf at the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, described him as “very diligent, very hardworking,” someone who “got there early, understood his cases and really cared about doing the right thing.”
Judge Tony Graf enters the courtroom as Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, attends a virtual court hearing from prison on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (Scott G Winterton/The Deseret News via AP, Pool)
While Graf lacks judicial experience, Evershed said he brings “years and thousands of hours of courtroom experience” from his time as a prosecutor. “He’s gone to trial many times… He was a prosecutor for many, many years,” he said.
Evershed called the case a “career-defining moment” not just for Graf but for “literally everyone that’s involved in this case.”
“It’s gonna be something that’s gonna be in the news for a long time, especially here in Utah,” he said. “I have no doubt that this will go to trial… several weeks long and… highly scrutinized.”
WATCH: Attorney says newly appointed judge faces intense spotlight in Charlie Kirk assassination case
Lazaro emphasized that Graf’s commitment to judicial balance, between victims’ rights and a defendant’s constitutional protections, will be critical in a case already saturated with public attention.
“All judges… take their oath very seriously,” she said. “Part of that is being unbiased and making rulings based on the facts and the law… I would expect that he’s going to do the very best job he can to be impartial and uphold his duty to the office.”
Lazaro described Utah County’s growing number of death penalty filings as “somewhat unique or unlucky” for a newly appointed judge to face so early in his tenure.
Booking photos for Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect in the Utah assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. (Utah Gov. Spencer Cox)
“There’s a really steep learning curve going from practicing law to being on the bench,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean he won’t do a good job… this case is going to be under scrutiny for years.”
Lazaro noted that capital cases impose intense professional and personal strain, not only on attorneys and court staff but also on the judges who preside over them.
“Death penalty cases are hard… and when you add in media and political pressure — and calls for the death penalty early on — it makes it that much harder,” she said. “It takes a toll on everybody involved.”
Despite the case’s national attention, Lazaro said a change of venue is improbable.
“I wouldn’t expect that this case would change venue unless the defense moves for it or there’s a conflict,” Lazaro said. “You’re not gonna get a more favorable jury with a change of venue because it’s nationally known… everybody’s talking about this case.”
While acknowledging the challenges, Lazaro expressed confidence in Graf’s capability and fairness.
“Anyone appointed to the bench is deemed competent and experienced enough to handle any type of case,” they said. “I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes, but I expect he’ll do the very best job he can.”
The exterior of the Fourth Judicial Court where Tyler Robinson appeared via video for his first court appearance in Provo, Utah, Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Robinson faces charges in the Charlie Kirk assassination. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Describing Graf’s demeanor, Evershed said, “He has a very calming demeanor. I think he has a very strong presence as well. He’s someone that doesn’t easily back down from his convictions.”
He said that will serve Graf well as the case unfolds under intense national attention and likely “years of appellate review.”
“This is a death penalty case,” Evershed said. “Should the death penalty be enacted, this will be a case that will be highly scrutinized in terms of judicial rulings, orders, reviews, rulings on evidence.”
“Your heart just really goes out to him,” Evershed added. “You would hope to have at least 10 years of experience on the bench to handle this kind of quagmire. In this case, he had less than two months.”
“I believe Judge Graf reflects well on the Utah Judiciary,” he said. “He’s an experienced lawyer. He is someone that is careful. He is someone that likes to show respect to everybody in the courtroom.”
“He’s not someone that’s gonna prematurely put his thumb on the scale for certain outcomes,” Evershed added. “He understands his role… of judicial restraint and making sure that things are handled appropriately.”
Evershed said the case will be long and complex, but believes Graf is prepared for the challenge.
“The amount of hearings… the amount of motions that are going to be filed… we can’t even calculate that,” he said. “It’s going to take a long, long road, but eventually we’ll get there.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
