Utah Judge Holds Prosecutor in Contempt but Denies Request to Bar Death Penalty in Kirk Murder Case

A Utah judge held a prosecutor in contempt of court on Friday for comments made to media organizations about the case against Tyler Robinson, the man charged with the September 10 assassination of Charlie Kirk. Judge Tony Graf said the statements by Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard violated court restrictions on public remarks by either side.

Ballard had told reporters that prosecutors possessed ample evidence to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that Robinson committed the murder.

Graf denied a defense request to bar the death penalty as punishment for the violation. He said the issue could be addressed instead through the screening and questioning of potential jurors. Robinson, a 23-year-old from southwestern Utah, has not yet entered a plea to the aggravated murder charge.

Kirk, an ally of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck while speaking to thousands at Utah Valley University. Defense lawyers accused Ballard of attempting to influence the jury pool through a media tour focused on ballistics evidence. Ballard said he spoke to correct misinformation after initial tests failed to match a bullet fragment to the rifle investigators believe was used.

Graf ruled that Ballard's comments on the inconclusive ballistics tests did not violate the order. The judge found that the additional claim of sufficient evidence to prove guilt crossed the line and carried a substantial likelihood of prejudicing the case.

Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson was recovered from the rifle trigger, a fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel that wrapped the weapon.