Utah judge finds prosecutor in contempt but allows death penalty pursuit in Charlie Kirk murder case
A Utah judge ruled that a prosecutor violated court rules by commenting on evidence in the Charlie Kirk murder trial, yet declined to bar the death penalty from the prosecution.
A Utah judge held Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard in civil contempt after he discussed a bullet fragment recovered from the body of Charlie Kirk with the media. The finding came during a virtual hearing on Friday, where Judge Tony Graf Jr. said Ballard's remarks could influence jurors.
Robinson's defense attorneys asked the court to prohibit the death penalty, arguing that the prosecutor's public statements might prejudice the jury pool. Graf rejected the request, stating that the prosecution may continue to seek capital punishment.
The court will expand the jury questionnaire and may enlarge the juror pool to address potential bias concerns. Tyler Robinson, charged with aggravated murder, has not entered a plea, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 6 to determine whether sufficient evidence exists for trial.
