A Utah judge ruled Friday that Tyler Robinson, accused in a shooting at a political event featuring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, remains eligible for the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. rejected Robinson’s attempt to remove capital punishment as a possible sentence for the September incident at Utah Valley University. The decision came after Graf found a prosecutor in contempt for statements made about evidence strength, though he determined the misconduct did not justify eliminating the death penalty option.
The Contempt Finding
Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard violated a gag order by publicly expressing confidence in evidence against Robinson during media interviews, Graf ruled. Ballard had disputed what prosecutors characterized as misleading defense claims about ballistic evidence related to the rifle used in the shooting.
“The court finds that striking the death penalty is grossly disproportionate to the misconduct and legally unavailable in this civil contempt framework,” Graf said. Prosecutors argued the rifle’s bullet casing matched evidence from the scene, though the ATF described the toolmark analysis as inconclusive.
Trial Preparations
Instead of removing the death penalty option, Graf said he would expand jury selection procedures to ensure a fair trial. Robinson has not entered a plea and remains held in jail pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for early July.
Lance Twiggs, a 22-year-old former roommate of Robinson, received limited immunity for statements given to prosecutors in April. According to court filings, Twiggs told authorities that Robinson admitted to carrying out the shooting and instructed him not to contact law enforcement.
Prosecutors plan to introduce text messages exchanged between the two men as evidence and indicated they may use Twiggs’ recorded statements rather than requiring his in-person testimony. Robinson’s defense team sought to compel Twiggs to appear at the preliminary hearing.
Recent Defense Setbacks
Robinson’s legal team has faced multiple obstacles in recent weeks. Graf previously denied a motion to remove cameras from the courtroom and rejected Robinson’s request to halt the case pending an appeal of that decision.
The dispute between prosecutors and the defense has centered on how information about evidence is characterized in public statements and court filings. Both sides have accused each other of violating court orders and misleading the public.
This story has been updated. CNN’s legal team contributed to this report.
