Judge to decide if a key hearing for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk will be public

PROVO, Utah (AP) — A judge in Utah will rule Monday. bar reporters and the public Parts of key hearing in case of man accused of murder Charlie Kirk.

Tyler Robinson’s defense asked Judge Tony Graf to restrict access to a preliminary hearing July 6-10, when prosecutors must show they have enough evidence to warrant a trial. This will mark the most significant presentation of evidence to date in a case that has so far focused on social issues. media access.

Defense attorneys also requested that dozens of exhibits that prosecutors plan to introduce at the July trial be sealed, arguing they could contaminate the jury pool ahead of a possible trial.

Robinson’s lawyers have sought to take action against media coverage that they say sometimes misrepresents their client due to the course of the case. tremendous public interest. The 23-year-old man from southwestern Utah is charged with crimes including aggravated murder. September 10 assassination Kirk’s on the Utah Valley University campus.

Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. He has not yet made a defence.

Prosecutors argued that the preliminary hearing should remain open but agreed that the media should be restricted from viewing or copying some exhibits that could be used at a future trial. They plan to present forensic analysis, surveillance video, recordings of witness statements, autopsy findings and messages in which Robinson allegedly confessed to the crime.

Authorities said DNA consistent with Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the rifle used to kill Kirk, the fired cartridge case, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle. Prosecutors also said Robinson I left a note “I had the opportunity to take on Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it,” he said of his romantic partner.