SALT LAKE CITY

A ruling from a Utah judge is expected on Tuesday regarding the potential removal of the county prosecutor in the murder case against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah college campus.

The prosecution intends to pursue the death penalty for Robinson, 22, who faces charges of aggravated murder stemming from the September 10th incident at Utah Valley University in Orem.

As of now, Robinson has yet to enter a plea.

Judge Tony Graff is contemplating whether to disqualify the Utah County Attorney’s Office from the case.

Robinson’s defense claims a conflict of interest exists with deputy county attorney Chad Grunander, as Grunander’s daughter witnessed the shooting.

At the time, around 3,000 individuals were present, and Kirk was physically assaulted while being questioned.

Kirk was a co-founder of Turning Point USA, an organization aimed at mobilizing young voters for President Trump.

Grunander’s daughter, who has not been publicly identified, testified that she neither filmed the shooting nor its aftermath. During her account in court, she revealed that she was unaware Kirk had been shot until she reached safety.

Robinson’s attorneys argue that the rapid decision by prosecutors to seek the death penalty indicates an emotional response that could disqualify the entire prosecutorial team.

Utah State Attorney Jeffrey Gray mentioned in his testimony that he had contemplated the death penalty before Robinson’s arrest, but he stated that personal connections did not affect his judgment.

Judge Graff has the power to either maintain the current prosecutorial team, dismiss them entirely, or just remove Grunander from the case.

If the Utah County prosecutors are disqualified, it’s likely the case would be handed over to attorneys from other counties capable of managing significant cases, such as Salt Lake County or the state attorney general’s office, according to Utah Prosecutors Council Director Robert Church.

The judge is also reviewing additional matters concerning Robinson’s potential trial impartiality.

Notably, the comprehensive video of Kirk’s shooting has not been displayed in court due to defense objections, as there are concerns it might impact Robinson’s right to a fair trial.

Moreover, defense attorneys have requested that cameras and reporters be barred from the courtroom, highlighting worries about potential bias affecting the case.

Despite these concerns, prosecutors, media attorneys, and Kirk’s widow have urged Judge Graf to proceed with the hearings.