Tyler Robinson Lawyers Seek Closed July Pretrial Hearing in Utah Murder Case

Tyler Robinson’s lawyers urged a Utah judge to close a July pretrial hearing to the public. They argued that evidence presented at the hearing could be reported by media outlets and affect the jury pool for the murder trial. One of Robinson’s lawyers, Staci Visser, argued to Judge Tony Graf that the preliminary hearing, scheduled for July 6-10, should be held behind closed doors.

Visser said the goal is to prevent publication of evidence before admissibility determinations are made.

Visser proposed that the court close the July hearing and provide a transcript that includes only evidence deemed inadmissible for the trial. She said this approach would protect Robinson’s right to a fair trial. Graf appeared skeptical of the proposal, questioning whether closing the entire hearing would be overbroad.

He asked whether the request was narrowly tailored to balance public access and Robinson’s rights. Visser said the defense would alternatively ask to make objections during the hearing over what evidence can be allowed at trial. She warned that doing so would likely extend the length of the hearing.

State prosecutors said they would prefer the preliminary hearing remain open. They argued that public confidence increases when people can see justice at work. A lawyer for a coalition of media outlets urged Graf not to close the July hearing. The lawyer said it is important that the public be allowed to access proceedings like this one.

Graf did not issue an immediate ruling on the motion. m. local time on June 1.

During the trial, Robinson will face multiple charges for the alleged killing of Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in September. The maximum punishment for the charges includes the death penalty. Robinson’s trial is expected to draw significant public attention.