Preliminary Hearing for Accused Killer Set for Next Week

Next week, both the parents and widow of Charlie Kirk are anticipated to attend a preliminary hearing in Utah for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of his murder. This hearing, set for the week of July 6, represents the family’s first significant appearance since Robinson’s arrest following the assassination on September 10, 2025.

During the hearing, the 23-year-old Robinson will face Judge Tony Graf, who will evaluate whether there’s enough evidence to advance the case to trial.

However, the hearing date might change, as the Utah Supreme Court is currently considering a defense appeal linked to Judge Graf’s rejection of a motion to ban cameras from the courtroom—a decision opposed by Erika Kirk.

While the family is likely to remain silent in public, prosecutors plan to call upon witnesses to establish probable cause in the case against Robinson. Reports indicate that Robinson confessed to the crime in a text exchange with his partner, Lance Twiggs.

A video statement from Twiggs is set to be presented at the hearing. Twiggs, who identifies as transgender, has been moved out of state due to safety concerns related to the highly publicized nature of the case.

If found guilty of aggravated murder, Robinson could face the death penalty, alongside six lesser charges including weapon offenses, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. He has not yet entered a plea.

The fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk occurred during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Robinson was arrested the following day after surrendering to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Just last week, Judge Graf determined that the prosecution had breached a gag order but dismissed the defense’s request to eliminate the death penalty ahead of the trial. Instead, the court decided that wider jury selection processes would be more appropriate.