A Utah judge ruled Friday that Tyler Robinson, accused in a shooting at a political event, remains eligible for capital punishment if convicted of aggravated murder.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. rejected Robinson’s attempt to have the death penalty removed as punishment for the September incident involving conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The ruling came after Graf found a prosecutor in contempt for statements made about evidence strength, though he determined the statements did not warrant removing the capital charge.
What Happened in Court
Graf ruled that Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard violated a gag order by expressing confidence in the evidence against Robinson during media interviews. “The court finds that striking the death penalty is grossly disproportionate to the misconduct and legally unavailable in this civil contempt framework,” Graf said.
Ballard had publicly disputed what prosecutors characterized as misleading defense claims about ballistic evidence. Prosecutors argued the rifle’s bullet casing matched evidence from the scene, though the ATF described the toolmark analysis as inconclusive.
Instead of removing the death penalty option, Graf said he would expand jury selection procedures to ensure a fair trial. Robinson has not entered a plea and remains held in jail pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for early July.
Witness Immunity Granted
Lance Twiggs, a 22-year-old former roommate of Robinson, received limited immunity for statements given to prosecutors in April. Twiggs could testify during the multi-day preliminary hearing next month after providing a recorded interview about Robinson.
According to court filings, Twiggs told authorities that Robinson admitted to carrying out the shooting and instructed him not to contact law enforcement. Prosecutors also plan to introduce text messages exchanged between the two men as evidence.
Prosecutors opposed having Twiggs appear in person, arguing his recorded statements and message screenshots were sufficient. Robinson’s defense team had sought to compel his testimony at the preliminary hearing.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Robinson’s defense team has suffered multiple setbacks in recent weeks. Graf previously denied a motion to remove cameras from the courtroom and rejected Robinson’s request to halt the case pending an appeal of that decision.
The dispute between prosecutors and the defense has centered on how information about evidence is characterized in public. Both sides have accused each other of violating court orders and misleading the public through media statements and court filings.
