Prosecutors argue the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk should stand trial | LIVE

Provo, Utah — A key hearing begins Monday in the murder case of Charlie Kirk in Utah, as prosecutors aim to convince a judge they have enough evidence to try the man accused of killing him and seek the death penalty.

The five-day preliminary hearing will mark the most significant presentation of evidence in the case to date — and the first time Kirk’s parents and widow will be in the courtroom with defendant Tyler Robinson.

Robinson, 23, is charged with first-degree murder in the September 10 killing of Kirk, a conservative activist and ally of President Donald Trump, at Utah Valley University. Robinson turned himself in the day after the shooting.

Prosecutors allege he confessed in a note he left for his roommate, who was also his romantic partner, that said: “I have been given the opportunity to kill Charlie Kirk and I will take it.”

Robinson has not yet made any confession, and his lawyers have not commented on his guilt or innocence. However, they have sought to abolish the death penalty, but so far to no avail.

The proceedings will resemble a mini-trial, but prosecutors only need to prove there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk. The standard is lower than at trial, where prosecutors must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Once that is done, State District Judge Tony Graf must determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with trial.

Prosecutors said they plan to present DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon, investigators’ testimony, autopsy results, witness statements and video of Kirk’s killing. They are also expected to argue that the shooting endangered others at the Kirk campus event — an aggravating circumstance that could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.

This week, prosecutors can use second-hand information, or hearsay, to help present their case.

Robinson’s roommate is not expected to testify in person during the hearing. However, the roommate’s recorded testimony can be a focal point for prosecutors.

In addition to the alleged confession note, Robinson reportedly texted his roommate that he targeted Kirk because he was “tired of his hatred,” prosecutors said.

Before his death, Kirk and the organization he co-founded, Turning Point USA, mobilized the conservative youth vote to help Trump win a second term.

The Republican president said he hopes Robinson will receive the death penalty.

Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, said during his memorial service that she forgives Robinson. She is expected to be in court throughout the week with her parents-in-law, Robert and Katherine Kirk, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly.