Suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting wants preliminary hearing

(CN) — The voluminous amount of evidence in the Charlie Kirk murder case led attorneys on Monday to ask a judge for more time before settling on a date for a preliminary hearing.

Tyler Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, remains held on charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, committing violence in front of a child, and two counts each of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Prosecutors say he fatally shot the conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder at a Sept. 10 rally at Utah Valley University.

Robinson appeared remotely for Monday’s hearing but was not visible and did not speak.

Attorneys argued before Fourth District Judge Tony Graf on whether Robinson would waive a preliminary hearing, during which a judge determines if probable cause exists for a case to proceed to trial.

“It is not our intent to waive a preliminary hearing in this matter,” said attorney Kathryn Nester, one of Robinson’s attorneys.

Nester said she anticipated prosecutors would provide her defense team with a hefty amount of discovery, or evidence, in the case. Her team needs time to examine that discovery before knowing when it would be prepared for a preliminary hearing.

“We are asking today that we put the decision off,” Nester said.

Nester also asked to delay a bond hearing. Robinson is currently held without bail, and a judge is unlikely to revisit the issue before his preliminary hearing, though it could happen sooner.

The judge set Robinson’s next hearing for Oct. 30, and it’s expected that Robinson will appear in person.

Graf said he wanted to provide guidance while stressing that Robinson’s constitutional rights will be protected and that he remains presumed innocent at this stage. He added that justice requires treating both Robinson and the victims with dignity and respect.

“Let me be clear — I will not put my finger on the scales of justice,” the judge added. “I encourage each of you to give your very best to this case.”

The fatal shooting of Kirk sent shockwaves through the nation and led to a manhunt for the suspected killer. Federal authorities released surveillance footage of a suspect. On Sept. 12, they took Robinson into custody.

Robinson appeared remotely in court on Sept. 16 for his first appearance, when a prosecutor said he’d seek the death penalty.

At the hearing, prosecutors outlined the evidence that led authorities to Robinson. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson confessed or implied his involvement in the shooting to a family member. A prosecutor added that Robinson texted his roommate, who was also his romantic partner, after the attack.

Robinson told the roommate to look under a computer keyboard, where a note was found. In it, Robinson allegedly wrote that he had an opportunity to “take out” Kirk and planned to do so.

“’What? You’re joking, right?’” the prosecutor read from the roommate’s texts. Moments later, the roommate texted: “‘You’re not the one who did it?’” Gray then followed it with what he said was Robinson’s reply: “‘I am. I am. I’m sorry.’”

Agent interviews revealed that at a recent dinner, Robinson mentioned Kirk would appear at the Utah university and expressed his reasons for disliking the activist, adding that he believed Kirk spread hate, Cox said.

Turning Point USA champions conservative values at high schools and universities. Co-founded in 2012 by Kirk, its goal is to identify, educate, train and organize students, leading them to herald ideals like fiscal responsibility and limited government.

The organization boasts a presence on over 3,500 campuses, as listed on its website, calling itself the largest and fastest-growing youth group in the nation.