Tyler Robinson is next scheduled to appear in Utah’s Fourth District Court in Provo for a preliminary hearing running July 6 through July 10, 2026, before Judge Tony Graf. Robinson, 22, faces seven counts including aggravated murder in the September 10, 2025, shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.1CNN. What Charges Charlie Kirk Case He is being held without bail and has not entered pleas.
What Happens at the July 6 Hearing
The preliminary hearing is where prosecutors have to convince Judge Graf there is probable cause to send the case to trial. It was originally set for May 2026 but was postponed at the defense’s request because DNA analysis was still pending and discovery was incomplete. The defense told the court it had received only summary reports from the FBI and ATF, not raw data, and that the state was still processing 1,700 scientific files.2ABC4. Tyler Robinson Evidentiary Hearing
Prosecutors plan to present four categories of evidence: surveillance video from the university campus, circumstantial evidence linking Robinson to a Mauser Model 98 .30-06 bolt-action rifle recovered near the scene, confession evidence including a note found under his keyboard reading “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” and DNA evidence from the rifle, a towel, and a screwdriver.2ABC4. Tyler Robinson Evidentiary Hearing3BBC. Profile Tyler Robinson DNA consistent with Robinson’s was recovered from the rifle trigger, a fired cartridge casing, unfired cartridges, and the towel used to wrap the weapon.4CNN. Tyler Robinson Charlie Kirk Court
On June 22, 2026, Judge Graf ruled that prosecutors may use hearsay evidence at the hearing, finding the Sixth Amendment right to confrontation does not apply to a proceeding limited to determining probable cause.5CNN. Tyler Robinson Charlie Kirk Contempt Ruling That ruling matters because of Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner. Prosecutors granted Twiggs limited “use immunity” in exchange for a sworn recorded statement and plan to introduce that statement along with text messages instead of calling him live. According to prosecutors, Twiggs told investigators that Robinson confessed to killing Kirk, hid the murder weapon, disposed of his clothing, and urged Twiggs not to speak with police.6LA Magazine. Prosecutors Reveal Bombshell Witness Agreement in Tyler Robinson Murder Case The defense tried to compel Twiggs to testify in person, but Judge Graf declined to certify the subpoena after Twiggs’s attorney refused to accept service. The denial was without prejudice, so the defense can renew the request if the prosecution’s case departs significantly from what has been previewed.7Deseret News. Tyler Robinson Preliminary Hearing Conflicts
The Charges and the Death Penalty Notice
Utah County prosecutors filed seven counts on September 16, 2025, in case number 251403576:
- Aggravated murder (one count), with a notice of intent to seek the death penalty filed at the initial appearance.
- Obstruction of justice (two counts), tied to concealing the rifle and disposing of clothing.
- Felony discharge of a firearm (one count).
- Commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child (one count).
- Witness tampering (two counts), tied to directing his roommate to delete text messages and stay silent if questioned.
The case is in Utah’s Fourth District Court in Provo.1CNN. What Charges Charlie Kirk Case8Fox News. Tyler Robinson Redacted Hearing Transcript Under Utah Code Section 76-5-202, aggravated murder becomes a capital felony only after the prosecutor files that death-penalty notice, which must generally happen within 60 days of arraignment. Prosecutors filed the notice at Robinson’s first appearance.9Utah Legislature. Utah Code Section 76-5-20210ABC4. Timeline Court Proceedings Tyler Robinson
Key Rulings Leading Up to the Hearing
Several pretrial disputes have already been decided, and each shapes what the July hearing looks like.
Prosecutors Stay on the Case
In December 2025, the defense moved to disqualify the entire Utah County Attorney’s Office, arguing that deputy attorney Chad Grunander had a conflict because his 18-year-old daughter was in the audience during the shooting and that her presence influenced the decision to seek the death penalty. On February 24, 2026, Judge Graf denied the motion, finding “no evidence” that any attorney’s decisions were influenced by the daughter’s experience and noting she heard the shot, did not see Kirk get hit, and was not traumatized.11KUER. Utah County Prosecutors Will Stay on the Charlie Kirk Case Judge Rules
Cameras and Public Access
The defense argued at an April 17, 2026, hearing that media coverage had already contaminated the jury pool, citing a survey finding 64% of potential jurors in Utah County believed Robinson was guilty.2ABC4. Tyler Robinson Evidentiary Hearing On May 8, 2026, Judge Graf ruled cameras would continue to be allowed.12CNN. Tyler Robinson Charlie Kirk Hearing The defense appealed to the Utah Supreme Court and asked that all proceedings be paused while the high court considered the issue. On June 12, 2026, Judge Graf denied the stay, ruling Robinson “has not established a concrete threat of irreparable harm.” The Utah Supreme Court then requested responses from prosecutors and media attorneys within two weeks.13Deseret News. Tyler Robinson Wants Death Penalty Pulled From Table
The defense also sought to close the preliminary hearing to the public. Judge Graf denied that motion on June 1, 2026, ruling that the defense offered only “generalized concerns” and failed to identify specific evidence warranting closure.14Deseret News. Tyler Robinson Case Judge Denied Closed Preliminary Hearing
Contempt Finding Against a Prosecutor
The defense accused deputy attorney Christopher Ballard of violating a court-imposed publicity order after he told TMZ that, regardless of inconclusive bullet fragment test results, prosecutors had “ample evidence to prove Robinson was guilty.”15NBC News. Prosecutor in Case of Accused Charlie Kirk Shooter Found in Contempt The comments followed a defense motion referencing an ATF report the defense described as showing the bureau was “unable to identify” the recovered bullet to Robinson’s rifle. Prosecutors countered that the same report said the ATF was also “unable to exclude” the bullet as a match.5CNN. Tyler Robinson Charlie Kirk Contempt Ruling
On June 26, 2026, Judge Graf found Ballard in civil contempt, calling the conduct “extremely reckless” and ruling the statement had a “substantial likelihood” of prejudicing the case, though not driven by a “malicious desire” to taint the jury pool.16ABC News. Judge Holds Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk Murder Case in Contempt The defense asked the court to strip the death penalty as a sanction. Judge Graf rejected that request as “grossly disproportionate” and instead ordered expanded jury questionnaires and a potentially larger jury pool.17CBS News. Charlie Kirk Murder Case Prosecutor Comments Contempt Death Penalty
The Lawyers on Each Side
Robinson was assigned a three-person defense team on September 25, 2025: Kathryn N. Nester of Utah, Michael N. Burt of San Francisco, and Richard G. Novak of Los Angeles. All three have significant experience in capital cases. Burt represented Lyle Menendez in his first trial, has tried more than 50 cases, and edits the California Death Penalty Defense Manual. Nester formerly led the federal public defender offices in Salt Lake City and San Diego and previously represented Kouri Richins.18Fox News. Charlie Kirk Assassination Suspect Expanded Defense Team19Deseret News. Tyler Robinson Murder Charlie Kirk Death Penalty Taxpayer Funded Attorneys
The prosecution is led by Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray, with deputy attorneys Chad Grunander and Christopher Ballard among the trial team.20Utah County Attorney’s Office. Tyler Robinson Trial Team Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, has been recognized by the court as the victim’s representative. On January 20, 2026, her attorney filed a motion demanding a speedy trial, accusing the defense of causing “undue” and “unwarranted” delay and invoking a Utah law that extends speedy-trial rights to crime victims.21Baltimore Sun. Erika Kirk Files for Speedy Trial
What Comes After the Preliminary Hearing
If Judge Graf finds probable cause at the July hearing, the case is bound over for trial and Robinson will be arraigned on the seven counts. He has not entered pleas to date. If Robinson is ultimately convicted of aggravated murder and the case reaches a penalty phase, a jury must unanimously find beyond a reasonable doubt that aggravating factors outweigh mitigating circumstances before imposing a death sentence. If the jury cannot reach unanimity on death, it then considers life without parole, which requires agreement by at least 10 of the 12 jurors. Failing that, the court would impose an indeterminate prison term of no less than 25 years to life.22Utah Legislature. Utah Code Section 76-3-207