Charlie Kirk murder trial set for 2028

Jury selection in Tyler Robinson’s capital murder trial will begin in June 2028, nearly three years after the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Fourth District Judge Tony Graf announced the decision Monday, rejecting competing requests for a trial beginning in 2027 or a delay until 2029.

He scheduled jury selection for June 21, 2028, and reserved 105 court days for proceedings that could include a death penalty phase.

The decision drew immediate concern from Kirk’s family, which had sought a trial no later than October 2027.

“A trial in the summer of 2028, three years after Charlie’s assassination, does not feel very speedy to the Kirk family,” attorney Jeffrey Neiman told the court on behalf of Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.

Neiman acknowledged the competing interests Graf must balance but urged him not to postpone the trial again unless circumstances make it absolutely necessary.

“The family has waited long enough already; they should not have to wait any longer for this,” he said.

Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and six related charges in the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting of Kirk, 31.

Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point USA event on Utah Valley University’s Orem campus when he was killed.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Monday’s ruling follows an Oct. 23 hearing in which attorneys presented vastly different timelines for preparing the case.

Robinson’s defense team requested a tentative trial date between July and September 2029.

Attorneys pointed to the volume of evidence, complex forensic examinations and preparation required in a capital case as reasons an earlier trial would be unrealistic.

Utah County prosecutors proposed Jan. 31, 2028, although they maintained they could be ready as early as October 2027.

But they shied away from the earlier date, arguing that a lengthy trial could extend into the holidays, complicating juror availability and potentially interrupting deliberations.

Kirk’s family sought an October 2027 trial, citing the emotional toll of continued delays and the family’s right to a timely resolution.

In explaining his decision, Graf acknowledged the family’s hardship but determined that an October 2027 trial would not allow sufficient time for Robinson’s attorneys to complete necessary forensic and investigative work.

The defense has reported receiving 49 evidence productions containing nearly 31,000 files and approximately 3.3 terabytes of data, along with a separate collection of roughly 8 million digital artifacts.

Attorneys told the court that some devices could not be accessed and some data was corrupted.

Defense counsel estimated that processing and examining the forensic evidence could take nine months to a year, even without additional complications.

Graf also considered the time needed to investigate potential mitigating evidence, retain experts and prepare challenges to the prosecution’s case.

“On this record, the court cannot reasonably set a trial for early October,” Graf said.

A January 2028 trial, he concluded, would create additional problems because of conflicting trial commitments involving defense attorneys.

The schedule would also leave insufficient time to complete expert disclosures and other pretrial proceedings.

Graf also rejected the defense’s proposed 2029 trial date.

“The defense has not identified a task that requires the court to reserve the additional year now,” he said.

Instead, he established a detailed schedule intended to keep both sides moving toward June 2028 while allowing adjustments if circumstances warrant.

The court will hold monthly status conferences beginning in January 2027. Attorneys are expected to report progress, outstanding evidence, potential scheduling conflicts and obstacles that could affect trial readiness.

"We have a lot of motions that we need to address, and I want to keep us on track so we make measurable progress," Graf said.

He also emphasized that "time is so precious" when explaining the need for regular hearings.

A hearing scheduled for April 11, 2028, will determine whether attorneys have completed enough preparation to proceed with jury selection.

Graf also outlined a comprehensive process for selecting jurors in a case that has attracted national attention.

The court is planning for approximately 3,600 prospective juror questionnaires, although the final number remains subject to review.

The questionnaires are scheduled to be mailed April 12, 2028, with responses due May 3.

Attorneys will have seven weeks to review the responses before jury selection begins.

The defense also intends to study whether extensive publicity and community connections could make it difficult to seat an impartial jury in Utah County.

A hearing on the potential need to select jurors from another county or move the trial is targeted for December 2027.

Graf reserved 105 court days for jury selection, testimony, legal arguments, deliberations and a possible penalty phase.

He acknowledged the proceedings could take longer, depending on how long jury selection and testimony take.

“The court will allow additional time if the parties need it to present evidence, or the jury needs it to deliberate,” Graf said.

Any request to move the trial date must be supported by specific reasons. Kirk’s family must also receive notice and an opportunity to respond before the court decides whether a postponement is justified, he said.

The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2027, at 9 a.m.

Graf has reserved three hours for attorneys to argue motions involving metallurgy and virtual comparison microscopy testing of bullet evidence.

The court will also review progress on the pretrial schedule.