+34
Suspect to be tried for aggravated murder, felony charge that carries death penalty sentence in Utah
Suspect to be tried for aggravated murder, felony charge that carries death penalty sentence in Utah Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, sits beside his defence lawyer during a hearing in January.
Photograph: Bethany Baker/The Salt Lake Tribune via APAfter several hours of closing arguments in Provo, Utah, judge Tony Graf ruled there is sufficient evidence to try Tyler Robinson, 23, who has been charged with the murder of one of theA key factor in charging aggravated murder is whether the shooter knowingly created a risk of death to anyone else as he carried out the killing. António Guterres: ‘Superpowers need to understand things have changed’ Judge Graf said: “These circumstances support a reasonable inference that defendant was aware that other individuals were positioned near Mr Kirk when he fired.
” Robinson’s attorneys had argued the shooting should not be a capital offence, as the shooter hit the “intended target” and did not put anyone else’s life at risk. Graf had the option to send the case to trial on a lesser charge of murder, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison, said Steve Burton, director of the Utah Defense Attorney Association.
The proceedings began Tuesday morning with Graf moving to allow cameras in the courtroom during the hearing, despite objections from the defence, and ruling on how the prosecution’s exhibits will be displayed. The judge also warned the audience of people attending the hearing not to make comments or visible reactions while court was in session.
Prosecutors have accused the former electrical apprentice of firing the single shot that killed Kirk, 31, as he debated with students at the Utah Valley University campus in Orem on 10 September 2025. On Tuesday, the prosecution argued there is a “mountain of evidence that proves is the shooter” and showed video of Robinson on campus the day of the shooting. Tuesday’s proceedings follow a week-long preliminary hearing in July that was attended by Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.
She attended Tuesday’s session. During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented what they called “overwhelming” evidence, including test results that allegedly show Robinson’s DNA on the murder weapon. Robinson’s lawyers questioned the prosecution’s DNA testing and said police failed to investigate evidence someone else might have carried out the killing. Prosecutors also allege Robinson, who was in a relationship with roommate Lance Twiggs, targeted Kirk for his political views against gay marriage and transgender rights.
That argument could bolster the prosecution as it pursues the death penalty. Defence lawyers have said there is no evidence Robinson disagreed with Kirk’s political views. Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, helped build support for Donald Trump among young voters and aided Republican voter turnout efforts. At a memorial following Kirk’s shooting, Erika Kirk, who became CEO and board chair of Turning Point USA after her husband’s death, said she forgave the alleged shooter.
Jury convicts former gang leader of murdering rap star Tupac ShakurGP and elderly mother awarded €12,000 over Dundrum clinic receptionist’s ‘disrespectful’ conductHolly Cairns repays €8,500 in expenses mistakenly paid by Oireachtas during maternity leaveEnergy price surge makes ECB rate rise almost inevitable and nuns sell €4.5m retreat
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Down kicker Charlie Smyth demoted on New Orleans Saints depth chart despite breakthrough NFL seasonCharlie Smyth from Down has been waived by the New Orleans Saints but is set to be retained on their practice squad after slipping behind Daniel Carlson in the kicking pecking order.
Read more »
Charlie Smyth stays with New Orleans Saints on practice squad after roster cutCharlie Smyth, a Down native, has been retained by the New Orleans Saints on their practice squad after being cut from the 53-man roster two weeks before the NFL season. The arrival of free agent kicker Daniel Carlson led to Smyth being placed on waivers, but the Saints opted to keep him via the International Player Pathway. Smyth, a former two-time All-Pro in Gaelic football, featured in six games last season and made 12 of 16 field goals.
Read more »
Edelle Becomes First Traitor Banished in Dramatic First Round Table TwistIn a stunning turn of events, Edelle became the first Traitor to be banished at the first round table in the castle. Despite her efforts to plead her case and warn the Faithful about group voting, she was voted out based on what she describes as the wrong evidence and pure luck. Edelle, who never met her fellow Traitors, expressed disappointment and frustration, particularly with the reasoning behind her banishment, which she called absolutely ridiculous. She was later revealed to have murdered Emma the night before her elimination.
Read more »