Tyler Robinson Preliminary Hearing: When Does it Start? Will Charlie Kirk’s parent Erica Kirk attend? what happens
Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing will begin on Monday, July 6, in Utah. The five-day preliminary hearing comes less than a year after he was charged with murder Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, 31, was allegedly shot to death Robinson On September 10, 2025, attended a campus event in Utah. According to a statement from Utah Valley University (UVU), the shooting occurred around 12:20 pm local time during a student Q&A event at UVU in Orem.
What to expect at the preliminary hearing
Kirk’s widow, Erica KirkRobinson and his parents are expected to appear in a Utah court this week, where prosecutors seeking the death penalty will argue that Robinson should stand trial for murder. This will be the first time Kirk’s family appears in a Utah courtroom with the defendant, and the hearing will be broadcast live, CBS News reported.
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The proceedings are similar to a mini-trial. Prosecutors plan to present DNA evidence linking Robinson to the alleged murder weapon, investigators’ testimony, autopsy results, eyewitness testimony and video of Kirk’s murder. They must provide all evidence and may use second-hand information or hearsay.
At the end of the hearing, state District Judge Tony Graf will decide whether the case should proceed. Graf declined a defense request to limit access to reporters and members of the public.
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Prosecutors must prove there is reasonable cause to believe Robinson killed Kirk. This standard is actually lower than that of a trial, in which prosecutors are required to prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Erica forgave Robinson at her husband’s memorial service. “I forgive him because that’s what Christ did and that’s what Charlie would have done,” she said in her eulogy.
Erica and Kirk’s parents, Robert and Katherine Kirk, are expected to appear in court this week, according to a person familiar with the matter, CBS News reported.
Robinson was charged with aggravated murder; obstruction of justice – removing a firearm; obstruction of justice – disposing of clothing; witness tampering – telling roommate to delete text messages; witness tampering – instructing roommate to stay quiet; and violent criminal conduct in the presence of a child. Prosecutors also filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty.
