Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, accused of shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will appear in court Monday. Photo courtesy of the Utah Governor’s Office | License Photo
Sept. 29 (UPI) — Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, will appear in a Utah district court Monday.
Robinson, 22, who allegedly shot and killed Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. He is set to appear at noon EDT Monday and may enter a plea.
He faces the death penalty if convicted. He has been in custody of the Utah County Jail in Spanish Fork, Utah, since his arrest on Sept. 12.
The hearing Monday is a waiver hearing. A judge will ask if the defendant wants a preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will show some of their evidence to determine if there is enough for trial.
Robinson’s defense team was just assigned his case on Friday, so it will likely ask for more time to review the case.
Utah defense attorney Kathryn Nester was assigned to represent Robinson. She has been lead or co-counsel on nine aggravated murder cases across the country, including a federal case in Utah, The Salt Lake Tribune said. Two attorneys from California with extensive experience in death penalty cases have also joined the case: Michael N. Burt and Richard G. Novak.
Utah County prosecutors are Chad Grunander, Ryan McBride, Lauren Hunt and David Sturgill.
The hearing is open to the public, but there is limited seating, The Tribune reported. Judge Tony Graf has put limits on visitors. No bags or face coverings are allowed, and spectators can’t wear any clothing or buttons that support Robinson or Kirk, or mention the death penalty.
