Judge Denies Prosecutor Recusal In Charlie Kirk Case
Judge Tony Graf allowed the Utah County Attorney's Office to continue building a death-penalty case against Tyler Robinson after denying recusal.
Overview
Judge Tony Graf ruled Tuesday that the Utah County Attorney's Office will not be disqualified from prosecuting Tyler Robinson in the killing of Charlie Kirk.
The defense sought recusal because Chief Deputy Chad Grunander's 18-year-old daughter attended the Sept. 10, 2025, event at Utah Valley University where Kirk was shot.
Prosecutors with the Utah County Attorney's Office said they plan to seek the death penalty against Robinson, who faces aggravated murder charges, according to court filings.
An estimated 3,000 people were at the outdoor rally where Kirk was struck, according to court filings.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin May 18 and is expected to last three days, according to court filings.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the coverage largely neutrally, emphasizing court rulings and competing legal claims rather than partisan spin. They report the judge's finding, defense conflict-of-interest arguments, prosecutors' intent to seek capital punishment, and an expert's backing, supplying factual context (Kirk's activism) without loaded language or selective omission.
Sources (6)
FAQ
Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of aggravated murder in the shooting death of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
The defense requested recusal because Chief Deputy Chad Grunander's 18-year-old daughter attended the September 10, 2025, event at Utah Valley University where Charlie Kirk was shot.[2]
Judge Tony Graf denied the defense's request to disqualify the Utah County Attorney's Office, allowing them to continue prosecuting Tyler Robinson and pursue the death penalty.[2]
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed by a single shot from about 140 yards away while speaking to approximately 3,000 people at an outdoor rally at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
A preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson is scheduled to begin on May 18 and is expected to last three days.[2]
History
This story does not have any previous versions.