In a recent development, prosecutors have stated their intention to pursue the death penalty in the case involving Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson appeared before Judge Tony Graf in a video conference hearing at the Fourth Judicial District Courthouse in Provo, Utah, on September 16, 2025.
The charges against Robinson are severe, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, as revealed by Utah County prosecutors.
In response to Robinson’s inability to afford private counsel, Utah County officials appointed Kathryn Nester as his defense attorney. Nester brings considerable legal expertise to the case, having previously led the federal public defender offices in both Salt Lake City and San Diego for over a decade. Her law firm, Nester-Lewis, has handled notable cases, including representing Kouri Richins, who is accused of murdering her husband with fentanyl and subsequently writing a children’s book about grief.
Nester’s extensive legal background encompasses over 30 years of courtroom experience, tackling both capital murder trials and intricate fraud cases. Robinson remains in custody without bond, with his next court hearing scheduled for September 29. The case continues to unfold with significant public and legal interest.