Politics · United States · 9 hrs ago
Defense lawyers suggest 2029 trial for man accused of killing Charlie Kirk
Tyler Robinson’s defense lawyers have suggested a 2029 trial in the case over the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in 2025, and Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder.
The defense says it needs more time to review tens of thousands of files, investigate Robinson’s life and prepare for jury selection.
Prosecutors have proposed a trial lasting about 17 weeks, with a start in early 2028; Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, says the defense’s schedule is an attempt to delay the case.
President Donald Trump has also criticized the late date, saying the case should be tried within a month.
Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted, making the case’s preparation and outcome especially consequential.
A Utah judge is due to set a trial date at a Friday hearing.
Defense lawyers for Tyler Robinson have proposed starting his trial for the killing of Charlie Kirk in the latter part of 2029.
They say they need time to review evidence, investigate and prepare for a complex capital case.
Prosecutors have proposed a Jan. 31, 2028 start date, while Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has asked for the trial to begin no later than Oct. 4, 2027.
Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf said on Oct. 23 that he needed more time to decide on the schedule and set another hearing for Nov. 9.
President Donald Trump criticized the proposed delay and said the case should be tried within a month.
- Who
- Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk, and the lawyers and judge handling his case.
- What
- Robinson’s defense has proposed a trial start in late 2029; the judge has not yet decided when it will begin.
- When
- The judge heard arguments on Oct. 23, 2026, and set another hearing for Nov. 9.
- Where
- A court hearing in Provo, Utah; Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University in Orem.
- Why
- The defense says it needs time to review evidence and prepare for a complex death penalty case.
Tyler Robinson’s defense
Erika Kirk and prosecutors
Trial timing
Tyler Robinson’s defense
The defense proposed a start in the latter part of 2029, saying it needs time to review evidence, investigate and prepare.
Erika Kirk and prosecutors
Erika Kirk asked for a start no later than Oct. 4, 2027; prosecutors proposed Jan. 31, 2028.
Reason for schedule
Tyler Robinson’s defense
The defense says the case is complex and rushing could undermine a reliable capital proceeding.
Erika Kirk and prosecutors
Erika Kirk’s lawyers called the proposed schedule “grossly out of line” and said the delay would prolong uncertainty for the family.
Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Robinson pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated murder, according to the Daily Mail.
Judge Tony Graf heard arguments about the trial schedule and said he needed more time to decide.
Graf set a new hearing on the trial schedule.
- Proposed defense start
- Latter part of 2029
- Prosecutors’ proposed start
- Jan. 31, 2028
- Erika Kirk’s requested deadline
- No later than Oct. 4, 2027
- Expected trial length
- 17 weeks, according to prosecutors
- Next hearing
- Nov. 9, 2026
4 sources
Donald Trump rips into Charlie Kirk murder judge as decision to extend trial timeline for Tyler Robinson looms
Fall Charlie Kirk: Trump kritisiert Vorschlag für späten Prozessbeginn
Judge puts off decision on Charlie Kirk murder trial date, media reports
Defense attorneys in Charlie Kirk's killing suggest trial in 2029
What people are saying
This case should be tried within a month
grossly out of line
is an exercise that, at this time, will necessarily be infected with false precision
They will face the uncertainty of this criminal proceeding longer than they had their father in their lives.