The lawyers for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, said that their client should not receive the death penalty. This is stated in court documents filed in the state of Utah, Associated Press reports, as cited by UNN.
Details
The defense claims that Robinson shot Kirk from a rooftop during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10 last year, but that the bullet flew over the crowd and did not pose a danger to other people.
The only evidence presented confirms that the bullet flew over the crowd, not through it
In their view, the prosecution has not proven that Robinson was aware of the possible danger to other event attendees.
This could be relevant to sentencing, since creating a danger to other people is a potential aggravating circumstance that, under Utah law, could make the crime punishable by death.
The defense also disputes the political motive
Robinson's lawyers also questioned the prosecution's claim that he targeted Kirk because of his political views. Prosecutors say the defendant told his roommate that he committed the crime because he had "had enough of his hatred."
Attorneys for Charlie Kirk murder suspect ask to postpone hearing31.03.26, 07:43
The defense insists that a single such statement is insufficient to prove motive. According to the lawyers, searches of Robinson's apartment, phone, and computers uncovered no other evidence of political motivation.
Last month, the prosecution presented evidence it called compelling. This included the results of DNA tests linking Robinson to the suspected weapon, as well as statements that prosecutors interpret as confessions.
The defense questioned the reliability of the prosecution's evidence but did not offer an alternative version of who might have murdered Kirk.
Prosecutors have released new video in the Charlie Kirk murder case08.07.26, 02:37