Defense Team For Tyler Robinson File Surprise Legal Motion in Kirk Case

The defense team for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, has filed a motion to close parts of an upcoming preliminary hearing. Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk while he was speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10th. Advertisement The defense motion, filed Friday, asked the court to close parts of the preliminary hearing scheduled for May 18, 19, and 22. (Latest report from ATF shook up the entire case) According to the motion, the parties are expected to present testimony and exhibits during the preliminary hearing.

The defense team contends that these presentations may be inadmissible at trial or could jeopardize Robinson’s right to a fair trial. The motion argues that the prosecution has chosen to rely on ‘Rule 1102,’ which allows for the use of ‘reliable hearsay’ during a preliminary hearing. Advertisement The motion states that hearsay would be inadmissible during the trial, ABC4 in Utah reported. Previously, the judge, Tony Graf Jr., ordered certain hearings closed after courtroom videographers were seen filming Tyler Robinson in shackles and speaking with his attorney, actions that violated the court’s decorum rules.

The defense has argued that all proceedings should be closed to the public, while media organizations and representatives for the victim’s family have opposed those requests. In December, the judge ruled that both the defense and prosecution must notify media representatives when a hearing will be closed, but denied the media’s request to be granted formal party status in the case, ABC4 noted. They also argued that media coverage of the case has been aimed at sensationalizing the proceedings rather than serving a traditional journalistic purpose. Attorneys on both sides in the case against Tyler Robinson have continued to dispute the role of media coverage in the courtroom.

Judge’s Decision on Media Coverage