US judge to decide whether to make key hearing of man accused of killing Charlie Kirk public

Taylor Robinson The defense asked Judge Tony Graf to restrict participation in preliminary hearings July 6-10, when prosecutors must prove they have enough evidence to warrant a trial. It will be the most significant presentation of evidence yet in a case focused on media access issues.

Defense attorneys are also asking that dozens of exhibits that prosecutors plan to present at July hearings be sealed, arguing they could taint the jury pool ahead of a possible trial.

Robinson’s attorneys have tried to guard against media reports they say have sometimes misrepresented their client because his case has attracted so much public attention. The 23-year-old from southwestern Utah has been charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 stabbing death of Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus.

Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. He has yet to enter a plea.

Prosecutors believe the preliminary hearing should remain open, but they agree the media should be restricted from viewing or copying some exhibits that could be used in a future trial. They plan to bring in forensic analysis, surveillance footage, taped witness statements, autopsy results and alleged information that Robinson admitted to the crime.

Authorities said DNA consistent with Robinson was found on the trigger of the rifle used to kill Kirk, a fired shell casing, two unfired bullets and a towel used to wrap the rifle. Prosecutors also said Robinson left a note for his romantic partner that read: “When I get the chance to kill Charlie Kirk, I’m going to take it.”