Utah judge schedules Tyler Robinson trial for June 2028
The jury selection for the aggravated murder case against the 23-year-old accused of killing Charlie Kirk will begin on June 21, 2028, according to a ruling by Judge Tony Graf Jr.
By Alexei Brooks ·
A Utah County judge has set a start date of June 2028 for the criminal trial of Tyler Robinson. Robinson, 23, faces aggravated murder and six other counts related to the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. ordered that jury selection commence on June 21, 2028. The legal teams provided different estimates for the length of the trial. Prosecutors projected the proceedings would last approximately 17 weeks. Defense attorneys suggested the case could extend up to seven months.
The scheduling decision resulted from negotiations between the parties. Prosecutors previously indicated readiness to proceed by October 2027. They offered to delay the start to January 2028 to avoid the holiday season. Defense counsel argued for a 2029 start date to allow more time for preparation.
If convicted of aggravated murder, Robinson faces the possibility of the death penalty. His legal team has focused on avoiding this outcome. The defense has also requested that cameras be banned from the courtroom during the trial.
Erika Kirk, the widow of the slain activist, attended the Monday hearing. She was accompanied by her two children and Kirk's parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk. Erika Kirk advocated for an earlier trial date and argued for a live stream of the proceedings for public viewing.
At the end of the hearing, Jeffrey A Nieman, the attorney representing Erika Kirk, addressed the new timeline. He stated that a summer 2028 trial, three years after the shooting, does not feel speedy to the family. Nieman acknowledged that the family had no choice but to accept the court's schedule.
Nieman told the judge that the family has already waited a long time. He argued they should not be forced to wait any longer for justice. This decision followed a five-day preliminary hearing held in July. During that hearing, prosecutors presented evidence to establish probable cause.
Prosecutors outlined key evidence during the July hearing. This included DNA linking Robinson to the murder weapon and items at the scene. They also cited confessions Robinson allegedly made to close friends and family. A taped video statement from Robinson's roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, was also cited.
In September, prosecutor Ryan McBride told the court there was substantial evidence proving Robinson was the shooter. He identified video evidence, DNA results, the defendant's admissions, and circumstantial evidence as the four pillars of the case. Defense attorneys have raised questions about the reliability of this evidence and the qualifications of expert witnesses.
The case has drawn attention due to the prominence of the victim. The debate over trial procedures and timelines continues as both sides prepare for the 2028 trial.
