Defense Seeks Delay in May Hearings for Accused Killer of Charlie Kirk

Tyler Robinson's lawyers cite need for more time to review extensive evidence in high-profile murder case.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:49pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, the textured metal surface and dramatic shadows creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The defense team's request for more time to review critical forensic evidence underscores the high stakes and complex legal issues at play in this high-profile murder case.Provo Today

The defense team for Tyler James Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of shooting and killing political influencer Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, has filed a motion asking the court to postpone scheduled May preliminary hearings. The lawyers argue they need more time to review the large volume of evidence, including forensic reports, phone and social media data, and testimony from law enforcement and witnesses.

Why it matters

This high-profile murder case has drawn national attention and the Utah County Attorney's Office has filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Robinson. The defense's request for a delay highlights the complexity of the case and the importance of ensuring Robinson receives a fair trial with adequate time to prepare.

The details

Robinson was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus on September 10. He has been charged with aggravated murder and other felonies. The defense team states they have not received all the existing evidence from the prosecution, including ATF forensic reports, and need time to review the over 700 hours of video files and 31 hours of audio files they have received so far. They argue Robinson has a constitutional right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses at the preliminary hearing, which they cannot do without more time to prepare.

  • Robinson was arrested on September 10, 2025 for the alleged murder of Charlie Kirk.
  • Preliminary hearings in the case were originally scheduled for May 18, 19, and 22, 2026.
  • On March 27, 2026, Robinson's defense team filed a motion asking the court to postpone the May hearings.

The players

Tyler James Robinson

A 22-year-old man accused of shooting and killing political influencer Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Charlie Kirk

A political influencer who was allegedly shot and killed by Tyler James Robinson on the Utah Valley University campus.

Utah County Attorney's Office

The prosecutor's office that has filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Tyler James Robinson.

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What they’re saying

“'Mr. Robinson has the right at a preliminary hearing to present evidence, to call hisown witnesses, and to have a meaningful opportunity to cross-examine the State's witnessesthrough the effective assistance of counsel. Under the circumstances that presently exist, Mr. Robinson is unable to exercise those rights in a constitutionally adequate and meaningful manner.'”

— Robinson's Defense Team, In Motion to Postpone Hearings

What’s next

The court has not yet decided whether to grant the defense's request to vacate or reschedule the preliminary hearings, which are still currently scheduled for May 18, 19, and 22, 2026.

The takeaway

This high-profile murder case highlights the complexities involved in ensuring a fair trial, as the defense argues they need more time to adequately prepare given the large volume of evidence. The court's decision on postponing the hearings will be closely watched as it could impact the timeline and process for bringing this case to trial.