Judge sends Charlie Kirk murder case to trial with defendant facing potential death penalty

PROVO, Utah (AP) — The murder case against the Utah man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year is headed for trial, and the defendant could face the death penalty if he’s convicted.

Utah District Judge Tony Graf on Tuesday sided with prosecutors who said they had “overwhelming” evidence that suspect Tyler Robinson shot Kirk once in the neck as the ally of President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd of thousands last September in Orem, Utah. One of Robinson’s attorneys entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf following Graf’s decision.

Robinson’s lawyers tried to block a trial, arguing that prosecutors failed to show Kirk’s shooting placed others around him at risk of death. That’s an aggravating factor under the law that makes Robinson eligible for the death penalty.

Kirk’s family called the ruling “an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice.”

“Every step in this process carries the weight of all that Charlie’s murder has taken from his family, especially his children who will grow up without their father,” the statement said. “We are grateful to all who have continued to pray for us, support u...