UTAH (KIFI) — Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with the aggravated murder of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, will not appear at his scheduled public hearing later this week. The October 30th hearing was pushed back to a later date to give legal teams more time for discovery and to prepare their motions, Fourth District Court Judge Tony Graf explained during a brief hearing this afternoon, Monday, October 27.
During the short hearing, Judge Graf addressed motions concerning the defendant’s courtroom presence. He granted the defense’s request to allow Robinson to appear in street clothes at future hearings, stating that “The court finds that Mr. Robinson’s right to the presumption of innocence outweighs the minimal inconvenience of permitting civilian attire.”
However, the judge denied defense attorney Kathy Nester’s motion to have Robinson appear without restraints.
According to Fox, Judge Graf did not make a decision on the prosecution’s motion seeking to hold all non-evidentiary hearings remotely going forward, but he informed the sides that they could submit a new motion seeking to have news cameras limited in the courtroom.
Robinson faces seven serious charges related to the killing, including the capital offense of Aggravated murder, Felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and Commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child.
Investigators believe Robinson fired a single shot from a rooftop at Utah Valley University on September 10, killing Kirk during a speaking event on the campus. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray has confirmed that the state will be seeking the death penalty.
ORIGINAL:
UTAH (KIFI) — Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing political activist Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance last Friday. The closed hearing was requested by his attorney, Kathy Nester, two weeks prior to discuss what Robinson would be permitted to wear during his court appearances.
Attorney Nester filed the motion arguing that forcing Robinson to appear in typical inmate attire or restraints—such as a “suicide robe,” bulletproof vest, or shackles—would unfairly prejudice the jury. She argues that these visible signs of imprisonment lead people to assume he’s guilty, violating his right to a fair and impartial trial.
Nester also pointed out that this case has massive media attention, saying it’s important he be seen as a person, not just an accused inmate.
The presiding judge is set to make a decision today, October 27, at 1 p.m. on Nester’s motion.
The ruling will directly impact Robinson’s next court date this Thursday, October 30th. This appearance will be the first time the public and media will see Robinson in court.
