Tyler Robinson's Defense Seeks to Block Death Penalty Over Gag Order Claim

Defense attorneys for 18‑year‑old Tyler Robinson, charged with the September 2025 shooting death of political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, have asked the court to bar prosecutors from seeking the death penalty. They allege that Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard violated a court‑ordered gag order by speaking to the media about forensic evidence, and they are seeking sanctions against the prosecutor’s office.

In related proceedings, a Utah judge ruled that a recorded interview with a key witness, Robinson’s former roommate Lance Twiggs, satisfies the hearsay requirements for the preliminary hearing, denying the defense’s request to compel Twiggs to appear in person. The judge also postponed a decision on whether the county attorney’s office should be held in contempt, with that ruling expected later in the week. Robinson’s preliminary hearing is set for July 6‑10, and he faces a possible death sentence if convicted of felony aggravated murder.