The essentials
Defense proposes a 2029 trial date for Tyler Robinson, while prosecutors and Kirk's widow's attorneys push for earlier dates.
Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson have proposed a 2029 trial date in the case over the shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Robinson, who pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder, turned himself in one day after the shooting. Utah County prosecutors allege he targeted Kirk for his political beliefs.
The defense says it must review tens of thousands of case files and cites a mitigation investigation and jury selection as reasons for the longer timeline. Under its proposed schedule, Kirk's children would be six and eight when the trial ends.
Prosecutors anticipate a 17-week trial and say they will be ready by October 2027. They propose a start date of January 31, 2028. Attorneys for Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, have proposed a trial start in October 2027 and described the defense's proposed schedule as absurd.
Donald Trump posted that the case should be tried within a month. Judge Tony Graf has scheduled a hearing to set the trial date.
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Defense Argues Complex Evidence Requires Several Additional Years
From the defense's perspective, the proposed timeline reflects the volume of material involved. Attorneys say they must review tens of thousands of case files, complete a mitigation investigation, and conduct jury selection. They cite these tasks in proposing a 2029 trial date, which would conclude when Kirk's children are six and eight.
Several Parties Argue the Defense Timeline Is Too Long
Prosecutors, attorneys for Kirk's widow, and Donald Trump all favor an earlier schedule. Prosecutors say they will be ready by October 2027 and propose January 31, 2028. Attorneys for Erika Kirk propose October 2027 and call the defense schedule absurd. Trump posted that the case should be tried within a month.