Utah man pleads not guilty to Charlie Kirk murder as judge clears path for death penalty trial
Tyler Robinson, 23, denies killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a university event in September 2025, but prosecutors presented DNA evidence, confessions, and video footage as they secured permission to pursue capital punishment.
What happened
Tyler Robinson pleaded not guilty to the aggravated murder of Charlie Kirk, 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Judge Tony Graf ruled that prosecutors can seek the death penalty, rejecting the defense's attempt to remove it as an option. Prosecutors presented evidence during a July preliminary hearing including DNA allegedly linking Robinson to the murder weapon, confessions to loved ones, video showing Robinson on campus dressed in different outfits that day, and a taped statement from Robinson's roommate and romantic partner Lance Twiggs in which Robinson allegedly confessed and expressed remorse. Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and six other charges. The prosecution argued aggravating factors—including firing into a crowd with children present—warranted capital charges, while the defense unsuccessfully contended that only Kirk was hit and no other bullets struck the crowd.
Context
Kirk's widow Erika and his parents attended the hearing. Robinson, a former apprentice electrician, allegedly regarded Kirk's conservative views on transgender issues as repugnant, which prosecutors suggested was motive. The case has generated significant public attention, prompting judge Tony Graf to rule in favor of livestreaming proceedings despite defense objections and defense concerns about conspiracy theories. Robinson is scheduled to return to court on October 23 for trial date setting. The case will determine whether Robinson faces the death penalty under Utah law.
What's disputed
Defense lawyers raised questions about prosecution evidence procedures and expert witness credentials during the preliminary hearing. They also sought to downplay the aggravating factors by emphasizing that only Kirk was struck by gunfire.