A pivotal court hearing is set to begin this week in Utah as prosecutors present evidence against Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk last September.
Robinson is scheduled to appear before state District Judge Tony Graf for a five-day preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will seek to establish that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Prosecutors are also pursuing the death penalty.
Robinson faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.
According to court filings and reporting by The Associated Press, prosecutors plan to present DNA evidence allegedly linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon, testimony from investigators, findings from Kirk's autopsy, witness statements and video footage of the shooting at an event held at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Prosecutors are also expected to introduce a videotaped statement from Robinson's former roommate, whom CNN described as a possible former romantic partner. The individual is expected to discuss messages exchanged with Robinson following the shooting.
At this stage of the proceedings, prosecutors are required to demonstrate only that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson committed the crime. They are not required to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the legal standard necessary for a criminal conviction at trial.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea. His attorneys have previously sought to prevent prosecutors from seeking the death penalty but have been unsuccessful. According to CNN, the defense plans to call three forensic experts to testify during the preliminary hearing.
Authorities said Robinson surrendered less than 48 hours after the Sept. 10 shooting with the assistance of his parents and a family friend who previously served as a detective and sheriff's deputy.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump. He played a significant role in Trump's 2024 campaign ground operation and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in October.
Kirk's parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, along with his widow, Erika Kirk, are expected to attend the proceedings, marking their first court appearance in the case, according to a source familiar with the matter cited by CNN.
Ahead of the hearing, Charlie Kirk's parents, widow and sister released a statement Monday asking for privacy as the case moves through the judicial process.
"Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father. Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children.
"We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives."
