Judge Rules Preliminary Hearing in Tyler Robinson Case to Remain Open
A preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson in a capital murder case will proceed publicly as the judge denies a motion to close it. Robinson is also seeking a delay while appealing a decision related to courtroom cameras.
The preliminary hearing in Tyler Robinson's capital murder case will remain open to the public, as ruled by Fourth District Judge Tony Graf on Monday. This decision denies a request from Robinson and his defense team to close the hearing.
Robinson, charged with the shooting death of political activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, faces a potential death penalty if convicted. While the hearing is set for July 6-10, Robinson is now requesting a halt to all legal proceedings, including this preliminary hearing, as he appeals Judge Graf's earlier decision to allow cameras in the courtroom.
Judge Graf noted that the defense did not sufficiently demonstrate how an open hearing might influence the jury pool and pointed out existing legal tools available to attorneys for jury selection. He emphasized that much of the evidence the prosecution plans to introduce is already part of the public domain. On the same day, Graf agreed to conduct an evidentiary hearing regarding a potential contempt issue involving the Utah County Attorney's Office, scheduled for June 12.
Robinson’s appeal to the Utah Supreme Court seeks to address concerns over maintaining a fair trial, arguing that the imposition of media in the courtroom could impede his constitutional rights. His defense team highlighted several reasons for the appeal, including the necessity to ensure an impartial jury and the alleged error in the judge's denial without addressing constitutional issues. A hearing on the admissibility of hearsay evidence is also expected to address these procedural concerns.
