Tyler Robinson’s attorneys ask court to rule out death penalty in Charlie Kirk assassination
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, appeared in court where a judge considered whether prosecutors should be held in contempt for media comments about the case.
- Robinson’s attorneys argued that Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard violated a court order by discussing bullet evidence in the media, seeking to exclude the death penalty due to potential jury prejudice.
- The prosecution defended Ballard’s statements as measured and not intended to influence the defense or jury pool, with a ruling on the contempt motion pending.
- Kirk was shot and killed last year during a campus debate at Utah Valley University, and Robinson faces multiple felony charges including aggravated murder, with prosecutors pursuing the death penalty.
- The case has attracted intense global media attention, and while court access is allowed, some trial exhibits remain restricted from media viewing.