Tyler Robinson Murder Trial in Charlie Kirk Case Set for June 2028 in Utah
A Utah judge scheduled Tyler Robinson's trial for June 2028 in the killing of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk. Over 3,600 potential jurors will receive questionnaires ahead of the proceedings.
Utah Judge Sets June 2028 Date for Trial in Charlie Kirk Shooting Death
A Utah judge has scheduled the murder trial of Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, to begin June 21, 2028, Courthouse News Service reports. Fourth District Judge Tony Graf Jr. announced the date Monday, rejecting the timelines proposed by both the defense and the victim's widow.
Robinson faces the death penalty if convicted of murdering Kirk — co-founder of Turning Point USA — during an outdoor rally at Utah Valley University in September 2025. Should he be found guilty, a separate sentencing proceeding would determine whether he receives a capital sentence.
Graf selected a timeline that fell between the two proposals before him. Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, had pushed for an October 2027 start date. Robinson's attorneys had requested the trial not begin until July 2029.
"Unnecessary delay remains a serious concern," Graf said in court. "This order sets a schedule."
Erika Kirk has described the hardship she would face if the trial were postponed further. Prosecutors indicated they could be ready by October 2027 if necessary, but Graf noted that start date risked pushing the trial into the holiday season. The judge said Kirk would be given the opportunity to speak before he rules on any future postponement request by Robinson.
"The family has waited long enough already," said attorney Jeffrey Neiman, who represents Kirk.
Robinson's defense team argued it needs at least a year to process certain forensic evidence. A 2027 trial date, the defense contended, would not allow sufficient time to gather evidence, retain an expert to assess it and produce an opinion. Prosecutors have themselves acknowledged that Robinson must have adequate time to investigate and present mitigating evidence at a potential sentencing phase.
Graf also noted that members of Robinson's defense team have scheduling conflicts with unrelated trials during the period around the 2027 proposed date.
Turning to Robinson's own request for a July 2029 start, Graf said the defense had identified no specific task requiring that additional year of preparation. He added that if circumstances change, Robinson will have opportunities to bring those issues before the court.
The judge laid out a series of pre-trial hearings beginning in January, with arguments over potential venue changes and an alternative jury pool expected in December 2027. On that point, Graf said: "News exposure alone is not enough."
Activity is set to intensify in the months before trial. Attorneys will appear for a trial readiness hearing in April 2028 to update Graf on outstanding matters and to address the 3,600 juror questionnaires due to be distributed. Those questionnaires must be returned by early May 2028, with attorneys reviewing responses later that month.
Graf has set aside 20 days for jury selection and 85 days for the trial itself. Daily hearings are expected to run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, with the trial anticipated to run into October 2028.
The scheduling order marks a significant development in a case that has attracted intense media attention given Kirk's prominence in American conservative politics. Robinson turned himself in to authorities after Kirk was shot and killed at the Turning Point USA event.
Following a lengthy probable cause hearing over the summer, Graf ruled that sufficient evidence existed to send the case to trial. Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride cited video footage placing Robinson on the university campus the day of the shooting, along with DNA evidence linking him to what authorities have identified as the murder weapon.
Prosecutors also pointed to statements Robinson allegedly made to his roommate and to friends on the online platform Discord. According to McBride, Robinson's roommate, Lance Twiggs, texted him: "You weren't the one who did it, right?" Robinson allegedly replied: "I am. Sorry."
Source: Courthouse News Service