Utah Court Hearing Takes a Dramatic Turn for Defendant in Charlie Kirk Murder Trial

A Utah judge has officially denied a request from Tyler Robinson to remove the death penalty from consideration in his upcoming murder trial.

Judge Tony Graf Jr. announced the decision on Friday, June 26, during a court hearing that Robinson attended virtually from custody.

The 23-year-old stands accused of fatally shooting conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in the neck during a September 2025 incident at Utah Valley University.

Following the shooting, Robinson was hit with seven felony counts, headlined by an aggravated murder charge that leaves him facing a potential death sentence if he is convicted.

In addition to the murder charge, the defendant faces counts of felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child, two counts of obstruction of justice, and two counts of witness tampering.

Robinson has not yet entered a formal plea to the charges.

According to prosecutors, Robinson detailed his actions in a written confession sent to his lover. “If you are reading this per my text, then I am so sorry,” he allegedly wrote in the letter. “I left the house this morning on a mission. I am likely dead, or facing a lengthy prison sentence. I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.”

Court documents further reveal that Robinson expressed remorse over how the situation would impact their future together.

“I don’t know if I will/have succeeded, but I had hoped to make it home to you. I wish we could have lived in a world where this did not feel necessary. I wish I could have stayed for you and lived our lives together,” the note continued. Investigators also allege that Robinson sent a text message to Twiggs stating that he was sick of Kirk’s “hatred.”