NewsWPLG Local 10October 24, 2026Miami-Dade County
Defense attorneys seek 2029 trial date in Charlie Kirk murder case as prosecutors propose January 2028
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Defense attorneys for the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk have suggested a 2029 trial date, while prosecutors and the victim's family push for proceedings to begin much earlier. Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf did not set a trial date during a Friday hearing and scheduled the next court appearance for Nov. 9. The defendant, Tyler Robinson, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The scheduling dispute determines how long the high-profile criminal case will remain pending, affecting legal costs, public resources, and the timeline for resolving potential capital punishment for the defendant.
Key Facts
- Defense attorneys suggested a 2029 trial date, stating they need several years to review tens of thousands of files and investigate mitigating factors.
- Utah County prosecutors proposed a trial beginning in January 2028, estimating a 17-week trial and stating they could be ready by October 2027.
- An attorney for Erika Kirk called the defense's 2029 proposal absurd and argued it violates victim speedy trial rights under Utah law.
- Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf did not set a trial date during a Friday hearing and scheduled the next hearing for Nov. 9.
- Tyler Robinson has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and could face the death penalty if convicted.
- President Donald Trump posted on social media that the case should be tried within a month and criticized Judge Graf.
- Prosecutors allege the defendant targeted Kirk for his political beliefs, citing an engraved bullet and text messages found regarding Kirk.
- Defense attorneys plan to devote substantial time to jury selection and investigating the defendant's life for mitigating sentencing factors.
Who's Mentioned
PersonTyler Robinson“Defendant accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk.”locationUtah“State where the court proceedings and crime took place.”PersonErika Kirk“Widow of Charlie Kirk.”locationUtah County“Jurisdiction prosecuting the case.”PersonTony Graf“Utah District Court Judge presiding over the case.”PersonCharlie Kirk“Conservative activist who was killed at Utah Valley University.”PersonJeffrey Neiman“Attorney for Erika Kirk.”locationUtah Valley University“Location where Charlie Kirk was killed.”PersonDonald Trump“President whose youth voter movement was galvanized by Kirk.”