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Judge in Charlie Kirk murder case finds prosecutor in contempt for public comments, but won't take death penalty off the table
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- A prosecutor was found in civil contempt by Judge Tony Graf Jr. for commenting to the media on the strength of the murder case against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- The defense requested that the death penalty be blocked due to the prosecutor's media comments potentially influencing jurors, but Judge Graf ruled that the prosecution may still seek the death penalty.
- Defense attorneys accused prosecutors, including Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard, of engaging in a "media tour," though Ballard denied discussing case specifics.
- Additional jury questionnaires will be administered, and the jury pool may be expanded to address potential bias from media coverage.
- Tyler Robinson faces aggravated murder charges, has not entered a plea, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 6 to determine if the case will proceed to trial.
