Utah Judge Rejects Tyler Robinson’s Bid to Eliminate Death Penalty

Judge Denies Request to Remove Death Penalty in Murder Case

A judge in Utah has dismissed assassination suspect Tyler Robinson’s appeal to eliminate the death penalty from the charges related to the murder of Charlie Kirk.

During the hearing, Judge Tony Graff found prosecutor Christopher Ballard in civil contempt for breaching a gag order, but ultimately denied the defense’s motion to vacate the death penalty. This means that if Robinson is found guilty, the death penalty remains a potential punishment.

“With Mr. Ballard found in civil contempt, the court is moving to impose sanctions,” Judge Graff stated on Friday. He went on to mention that the defense believed the right course of action would be to inform the state of intentions to pursue the death penalty.

However, Graff noted, “The court chose not to implement this remedy,” adding that “civil contempt needs to be corrective to address the bias caused by the violation or ensure future compliance.”

The judge further asserted that the death penalty is disproportionately severe for the crime and is not feasible within the civil contempt context.

Tyler Robinson is accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, on September 10, 2025. A preliminary hearing is set for July 6, during which prosecutors are expected to establish sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

Should Robinson be convicted, prosecutors are prepared to pursue the death penalty.

The 23-year-old is charged with aggravated murder in relation to the conservative figure’s death at Utah Valley University last year. So far, Robinson has not entered a plea.

Prosecutors allege that Robinson left a note for his transgender partner stating, “I had an opportunity to get rid of Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”

While the forthcoming July 6 hearing is crucial for presenting evidence in the murder case, much of the recent focus has been on media access to the trial. Judge Graff ruled last month that cameras—both video and photo—will be permitted in the courtroom during Robinson’s hearings.