Tyler Robinson, Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, has second court hearing

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing Charlie Kirk on Utah Valley University campus, appeared in court virtually on Monday morning.

During the hearing, Robinson’s screen was off. He did not speak.

The waiver hearing took place at 10 a.m., and Robinson and his newly appointed legal counsel stated that they do not intend to waive a preliminary hearing.

However, Kathryn Nester, Robinson’s attorney has requested a second waiver hearing. That will take place on Oct. 30. Robinson will appear in person.

“The reason they asked for another waiver hearing and the defense attorneys put this on the record is they need more time,” said legal analyst Randolph Rice in an interview with ABC4.

“There is, as described by the prosecutors, a voluminous amount of evidence that they need to turn over to the defense team.”

Robinson’s legal team will then review said evidence and determine whether they’d like to have a preliminary hearing, where a judge would review the prosecution’s evidence and determine if there is probable cause for trial.

“The defense attorneys are just getting in on the case right now,” Rice added. “So, it’s going to take a long time for them to review every piece of evidence that’s going to get turned over. There’s a real possibility that they might not be able to review all that by October 30th, and they may ask for another extension of that waiver hearing.”

Speaking at the hearing today, Judge Tony Graf noted that as this case moves forward, Robinson’s constitutional rights will be protected at every stage.

“He sits before this court presumed innocent, and that presumption remains unless and until each element of every offense charged against him is proved beyond a reasonable doubt. At the same time and as applicable, victims are entitled under our constitution to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, free from harassment or abuse.”

The proceeding on Monday lasted for 10 minutes.

Robinson’s attorney to request discovery

Nester said that she will request the discovery that prosecutors used to file charges against Tyler Robinson.

After the discovery is requested, prosecutors will have five days to provide it. Then Robinson’s attorneys will review it and decide if he will waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

In a preliminary hearing, the prosecution must show judge there is enough evidence to establish probable cause. If prosecution is successful, the judge will set a court date for Robinson’s arraignment. Then, he will enter a plea.

Charges against Robinson

Robinson has been charged with seven felony counts including aggravated murder (a Capital felony) with the victim targeting enhancement and violent offense committed in the presence of a child aggravating factor.

He is also charged with felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury (a first-degree felony) with the same enhancement and aggravating factor, two counts of obstruction of justice (a second-degree felony), two counts of tampering with a witness (a third-degree felony), and one count of a violent offense committed in the presence of a child (a Class A misdemeanor) with the victim targeting enhancement.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray is seeking the death penalty against Robinson who is currently being held without bail.