Expert Witness to be Called in Tyler Robinson’s Case

The defense for Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk, is planning to call an expert witness who previously assisted in Brian Koberger’s defense team. This decision comes ahead of a hearing on Friday regarding a motion to prohibit news cameras from the courtroom.

The expert, Dr. Brian Edelman, is a clinical trial consultant with a Ph.D. in social psychology based in California. He conducted a survey with defense attorneys and shared his insights on March 13th. According to the defense, Dr. Edelman believes that the modern digital landscape—especially social media algorithms—has significantly altered how news is consumed. This impact makes it challenging for those in areas affected by high-profile incidents, like this case, to avoid local media coverage.

The fingerprints and palm prints of Robinson were reportedly found near the rooftop where the incident took place.

Details of the Incident

Robinson, 22, is accused of shooting at Kirk from the roof of Utah Valley University. At the time, Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was addressing a crowd of around 3,000 attendees.

In a summary of Edelman’s findings submitted to the court, the defense argued that social media amplifies significant local news stories, making it hard for potential jurors to escape pretrial coverage, which includes a variety of online comments.

The defense stated, “Empirical research shows that hostile or uncivil comments can influence how readers interpret stories.” They continued, “Realistically, the same news item can exist alongside inflammatory commentary that may exaggerate emotional reactions and create impressions that extend beyond factual content.”

Robinson’s attorneys, which include Kathryn Nester and Michael Burt, contend that media coverage might sway jurors’ opinions, possibly contributing to a guilty verdict. Judges often have to weigh the public’s right to view court proceedings against the defendant’s right to a fair trial.

Complexities of Jury Selection

Dr. Edelman previously worked on a controversial jury questionnaire for Koberger, which was criticized as potentially biased. Some individuals contacted during this investigation raised concerns about breaches of a gag order intended to safeguard trial details.

The presiding Judge John Judge at Koberger’s trial remarked on the irony that the defense’s actions could unintentionally compromise the jury pool.

Mark Calzaretta, a jury consultant, pointed out that investigations like this are not uncommon when a defense moves to change the venue.

Koberger managed to change the trial’s location from Latah County, ultimately pleading guilty to avoid the death penalty shortly before his trial began last year.

Robinson’s defense team is attempting to disqualify the Utah County Attorney’s Office, citing a supposed conflict of interest, but this request was denied by Judge Tony Graff.

Dr. Edelman has experience in high-profile cases, including the murder trials of Jason Van Dyke and the Buffalo supermarket shooter Peyton Gendron. His expected testimony will cover the demographics of Utah County, the jury selection process, and statements related to Gendron’s pending federal lawsuit.