The defense team for Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting conservative influencer Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September, has filed a motion to close portions of an upcoming preliminary hearing.
Robinson faces aggravated murder charges and several additional felonies, with potential eligibility for the death penalty if convicted. The defense motion, filed Friday, seeks to close parts of the preliminary hearing scheduled for May 18, 19, and 22.
What the Defense Argues
The defense contends that testimony and exhibits presented during the preliminary hearing may be inadmissible at trial or could jeopardize Robinson’s right to a fair trial. The motion argues the prosecution plans to rely on hearsay evidence that would be barred during actual trial proceedings.
“The State intends to present as exhibits numerous videos which clearly cannot become public in advance of trial, given the well-established quantum of highly inflammatory media and social media coverage of this case, without further impairing Mr. Robinson’s constitutional right to a fair trial,” the motion states.
The defense has also argued that extensive media coverage has created bias and could interfere with jury selection in the high-profile case.
The Judge’s Ruling
Judge Tony Graf Jr. ruled that cameras would be allowed in his courtroom for the April 17 hearing, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1981 decision in Chandler v. Florida, which determined that cameras in courtrooms do not automatically violate a defendant’s right to a fair trial.
“In balance, the defendant has not provided a sufficient basis for the court to find that the interests favoring closure outweigh the interest favoring an open proceeding and the presumptive right to access,” Graf said during Friday’s hearing.
The judge noted that while the April hearing would generally remain open, certain portions might be closed to protect privacy and safety concerns.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
The defense had previously filed a motion to bar cameras entirely from the courtroom, which was denied. In December, the judge ruled that both sides must notify media representatives when a hearing will be closed.
Most recently, the defense filed a motion seeking to hold prosecutors in contempt, accusing them of engaging in a “willful media tour.” Prosecutors responded that their public statements were issued only in response to what they described as “misleading” claims from the defense.
This story has been updated. CNN’s legal affairs team contributed to this report.
