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Key hearing begins in Charlie Kirk murder case
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- A five-day preliminary hearing begins Monday in Utah to determine if there is enough evidence to try Tyler Robinson for the aggravated murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and to seek the death penalty.
- Robinson, 23, is accused of killing Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10 and allegedly confessed in a note to his roommate, stating he intended to "take out Charlie Kirk."
- Prosecutors plan to present DNA evidence, autopsy results, witness statements, and video footage, arguing the shooting endangered others and qualifies for the death penalty under Utah law.
- The hearing will require only reasonable grounds to proceed to trial, a lower standard than proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and may include hearsay evidence such as recorded testimony from Robinson's roommate.
- Kirk’s widow and parents will attend the hearing, with the widow expressing forgiveness for Robinson; former President Trump has publicly supported the death penalty for Robinson.
