Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will face trial next month in proceedings that will be streamed nationwide, a judge ruled Monday.
Robinson, who faces charges that could bring the death penalty, was arrested Sept. 11 after admitting to authorities that he killed Kirk, 31, during a student gathering in Utah. Investigators say Robinson targeted Kirk over his conservative political views and particularly his outspoken opposition to transgender ideology.
U.S. 4th District Court Judge Tony Graf set the next hearing for Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. in Provo. Graf said the session would be conducted in person if Robinson’s attorneys wish their client to be present, a point defense lawyer Kathryn Nester quickly confirmed.
During Monday’s proceedings, Utah County Chief District Attorney Chad Grunander said prosecutors have compiled what he called a “voluminous” body of evidence against Robinson.
“There is a substantial amount of discovery in this case, Your Honor. It’s voluminous, to say the least,” Grunander told the court. “And we’re working on a process where we can exchange information as quickly as possible and be efficient in that process.”
Court filings indicate that Robinson left a letter for his transgender partner and roommate in which he admitted to killing Kirk. In the letter, he claimed he acted to “protect” the partner.
Nester, Robinson’s lead defense attorney, argued that the defense needed more time before any evidentiary hearing could be scheduled. She said the sheer amount of material to review raised questions about whether witnesses could be adequately cross-examined at this stage.
“…until we can kind of get our heads around exactly what we’re dealing with and how much we need to process it, it’s going to be difficult for us to give you a reasonable expectation of when we will be ready to do the [preliminary hearing],” Nester told the judge.
The defense is expected to focus on preventing a death sentence for Robinson if he is convicted.
Randolph Rice, a Maryland criminal defense attorney and legal analyst, told Fox News that Robinson’s lawyers will likely pursue strategies to avoid a death penalty verdict.
“The goal for his new high-profile defense attorneys in the Tyler Robinson case is going to be to keep him off of death row,” Rice said. “And that’s probably their goal right now, or at least that’s what they’re thinking about.”
One option could be a plea deal, which might result in a life-without-parole sentence in exchange for sparing the state the cost of a lengthy trial. A plea would also prevent Kirk’s family from enduring weeks of testimony about the shooting.
Rice suggested that the defense may attempt to downplay the broader danger of the attack.
“What the defense may be able to argue is to say, this was a single sniper bullet that had a single intended target — and therefore it posed no other danger to anyone else,” Rice said. “And if they can prove that to a jury or they can convince a jury of that, then they won’t get the aggravating murder, and therefore they won’t have the death penalty on the table.”
Kirk’s killing has attracted widespread national attention, particularly because of his prominence as the founder of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA. His death shocked supporters and allies across the country, and the trial is expected to draw significant media coverage.
Judge Graf said Monday that the proceedings will be livestreamed to ensure transparency and accommodate the expected public interest.
For now, Robinson remains in custody as both sides prepare for what is likely to be a high-profile and emotionally charged trial beginning later this fall.