Tyler Robinson Court Appearance: Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Returns to Utah Court with Death Penalty Looming

[00:21] >> on >> the afternoon of September 10.

[00:27] I arrived at Utah hospital to do the unthinkable. To look directly. I have my husbands who murdered body.

[00:46] >> Welcome >> back to court TV live bound Johnson alongside my friend, Kelly craft in today for Ted and Julie a busy day here let's begin this hour in

[00:54] the state of Utah with the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination is due back in court today.

[01:01] >> 22 year-old Tyler Robinson is accused of murdering the conservative activist. During a rally that was held at Utah Valley University this took place earlier

[01:10] this month.

[01:11] >> Robinson is expected to appear via zoom during that hearing alongside his newly appointed defense attorney where we're likely going to hear discussion as to

[01:19] whether or not they want to schedule a preliminary hearing.

[01:22] >> While we wait for that hearing to begin. Let's go ahead and take a look at a backgrounder on this case is Court TV affiliate kstu with a closer

[01:31] look at the suspect Tyler Robinson.

[01:35] >> Robinson had confessed to them or implied that she had committed the incident from him.

[01:46] Robinson had confessed to them or implied that she had committed the incident from his apartment.

[01:52] ?

[01:53] >> The FBI police combed every inch of it Tyler Robinson's life his family expressing to law enforcement that he had become more political in the last few

[02:04] years.

[02:05] >> Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to you they talked about why they didn't like him and a few points that he had the family member also

[02:14] stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.

[02:18] >> Neighbors across the community were hurt, confused what they called the quiet man.

[02:24] >> Turn to suspected political assessment. I just learned of half hour ago. My son called me and said did you know it was your neighbor, he said.

[02:33] >> No its neighbors said Robinson used to come over and help promote her lawn when he was a kid.

[02:38] >> Whenever I've needed anything they've been able to come over and help they kind of thing.

[02:44] >> So who is 22 year-old Tyler Robinson, we know he was raised in Washington, Utah. Yearbook photos show him a nearby mind you I school.

[02:52] >> Robinson attended one semester at Utah state University, but never and Utah Valley.

[03:01] More recently he was enrolled at Dixie technical College administration confirmed in a news release that Robinson is a student in the electrical apprenticeship program.

[03:09] >> I heard that he's from Saint George and I'm like man that's that's crazy and I see a picture of a man Mike I I know this guy I've seen him, I'm pretty sure I went to school

[03:17] with them.

[03:18] >> Carson I couldn't believe it is he realized Robinson was a classmate the program what these classes were you taking together we're taking residential electrical.

[03:27] >> And I remember where he sat in comparison to me and seeing him every day.

[03:32] >> From what I remember he sat by himself in the back the class so I remember I don't remember ever and ever.

[03:39] >> Sitting next to him as our cameras were rolling on scene the FBI focused a lot of attention on a shed at the back of the House.

[03:46] We also focused attention on the car lift in the hood and eventually towing it.

[03:50] And as those around the home try to make sense of all of this are also praising the bravery of the Robinson family and friends for speaking up and turning him in.

[03:58] >> That they did the right thing and justice will be served.

[04:04] >> What do we go ahead and bring in our guest this hour to discuss as we wait for that court appearance to begin out there in Utah joining us now from Los

[04:15] Angeles California. Former deputy public defender for La County Philip Dube Philip nice to see you on this Monday, thank you for being with us.

[04:23] All right, we are waiting to see what's going to happen out there. In Utah, he has newly appointed counsel the 22 year-old man and one to see if they decide they want

[04:34] to waive their right to a preliminary world we're awaiting the start of it Philip what are you thinking we're going to see.

[04:40] >> I think the person that's going to happen is Council is going to be appointed on behalf of the young man they're going to accept a discovery in probably check to see whether.

[04:51] Just because counsel is appointed doesn't mean they can take the case. So assuming the conflict check hasn't been run that's what they're going to do

[05:00] I suspect that whoever accepts a point and in the case is not going to set it straight ahead, a preliminary are there any time really prepare this thing so they're going to wait time

[05:11] ask for a continuance put it over for conflict check in to work it out for president, and you never know they might even try to work a great disposition to take that off

[05:20] the table.

[05:21] >> And fill up, you know for our friends on the other side of the pond that watch us and don't have the same court system or new people are just joining us at Court TV.

[05:28] What is a preliminary hearing.

[05:30] >> Yeah, the purpose of the preliminary hearing is where judge listens to the evidence put on by the prosecution solely to decide whether or not a

[05:42] defendant charged with a crime should be patient and try to go to court to ask if I'm probably >> It has taken the bench feel so when we go in and see if we have audio and there.

[05:55] >> Calling the case to 5, 1, 4, 0, 3, 5, 7, 6, state of Utah versus Tyler James Robinson Council could you enter your appearance is please.

[06:08] >> Chad green and are just great Lauren hunt, Ryan McBride and Chris Ballard for the state your honor. Good morning councils.

[06:16] >> Good morning, your honor Kathy nester Michael Burt and Richard Novak on behalf of Mister Robinson one-a.

[06:22] >> Good morning to you all work. Into the jail.

[06:28] Do we have Mister Robinson president.

[06:35] Mister Robinson good morning to you as well.

[06:43] Council as we begin I have entered orders allowing the admittance of Mister Michael birds. Mister Richard Novak for hockey chained up joining them along with MS. Kathryn nester.

[06:56] To be Mister Robinson's Council. The court enters findings that the combined experience of Council meets and exceeds the requirements of rule 8. Kelso

[07:07] do we what would what would we like to accomplish today.

[07:14] >> I have 2 items judge I just wanted to make a record that under rules, 16 a view to rules of criminal procedure with respect to discover. The state is required

[07:24] to provide to the defense within 5 days of the defense's request. The discovery that we relied on in making this charging decision well prepared

[07:34] it will be to be prepared to do that so look for. Defense request or the next day or so and will provide that to the defense.

[07:44] He's here. We also for the course information we met this morning with the defense team briefly, our office to talk about discovery and the process so we'll be

[07:54] working together. There is a a substantial amount of discovery in this case, your honor its voluminous to say the least and we're working on a process where we can exchange

[08:04] information as quickly as possible and be efficient in that process.

[08:10] The other item I had your honor I saw that over the weekend there was a protection order for pretrial and trial publicity ordered injured by by Iran. I just was seeking some

[08:21] clarification on page 2.

[08:24] At the end of the first paragraph.

[08:28] To that end lawyers participating in the investigation or litigation of this case.

[08:35] Schoen for all witnesses investigators consultants staff members or other members of the prosecution or defense teams that the prohibitions contained about

[08:43] the provisions contained in this I the state were seeking some clarification with respect to the phrase all witnesses your honor.

[08:51] There are a number of witnesses that have yet to be that would like we'd be used in the state's case heard in front of 2 to 3,000 students at Utah Valley so we're in the process

[09:05] of identifying those witnesses and so those individuals are presently unknown right now so we're looking for a little clarification from the and I

[09:15] we're not going making the arguments today, but there may be some follow-up pleadings that we may need to file.

[09:22] >> News Nestor did you want to be heard about that issue.

[09:25] >> I know you're on and we would defer to whatever the court wants to advise them on that I mean I think it's fairly obvious that we don't know all

[09:34] the witnesses car in this case yet. I think it's just important that if anyone is identified that they have information about this order so I think other

[09:43] than that we would win on any other matter.

[09:47] >> Thank you.

[09:48] Well thank you for that question that's an important one I the court will rule that as the witnesses become known to each side that that information is

[09:58] conveyed to abide by this order obviously there are potentially.

[10:03] Many witnesses and so it's not the expectation that he would be able to do front but as they become known, I would ask that you inform them of

[10:15] this. Anything else Council.

[10:17] The state nothing else just thank you MS. Nestor.

[10:24] >> Thank you your We recognize that we're here today for a waiver hearing. We it is not our intent to waive a preliminary hearing in this matter. We are going to be

[10:38] seeking that one be said, however her base largely what the state just referred to as far as the voluminous nature of discovery materials we do think

[10:48] it would be prudent to something reset for another conference another waiver a little bit down the road where we have better idea once we start

[10:58] seeing the discovery as it rolls in. I do recognize we're going to be getting that first batch in 5 days but it's my understanding from our meeting

[11:09] today that there is a massive amounts of digital that is going to be And we can tell we can kind of get our heads around exactly what we're dealing with and how

[11:20] much we need to process.

[11:21] It is going to be difficult for us to give you, I'm a reasonable expectation of when but when you will be ready to do the prelim so we're

[11:30] asking today that we put decision off and maybe we can check and in 30 to 60 days and I'm just kind of let the court know where

[11:39] we're at and how much we're looking at and how much time we may need to set up women are you hearing.

[11:47] Also as far as a detention hearing. We're not asking the court to address that issue at this time.

[11:53] Under the statute, the issues going to come down to that question of whether there's substantial evidence which right now we're just not in a position at all to be able to

[12:03] even argue to that court so we are probably going to ask that the court delay that.

[12:09] Decision possibly until the time of the press, but it sooner we will last court for hearing but at this time we're not asking the court >> make a decision on that

[12:21] matter thank you Council.

[12:23] In regards to the next hearing date and how about October 30th, 10:00AM.

[12:29] That works for the state your honor thank that's time for the defense sure.

[12:35] Now as we have to begin anything further from Council from either side. No your honor thank you.

[12:44] As we're at the beginning of this case it is my intent only speak when I'm needed or it is necessary. But today I do wish to provide guidance to expectations that you can have

[12:58] for this court and wish to enter an order as well. As this case moves forward Mister Robinson's constitutional rights will be protected at every stage.

[13:08] He says before this court presumed innocence and that presumption remains and last until each element of every offense charged against him he's proved beyond a reasonable

[13:20] doubt. At the same time in as a playable victims are entitled under. 2 should be treated with fairness respect and dignity free from harassment or abuse justice

[13:32] demands that both of these principles. The rights of the accused and the rights of victims be honored without compromise.

[13:40] I remain steadfast in my oath that I meet 56 days ago to some support and defend the Constitution said the United States and the future well I will carry out my duties with

[13:53] Fidelity transparency and impartiality treating every person who appears to for me with the dignity and respect they are inherently do because they are human beings.

[14:02] Let me be clear I will not put my finger on the scale of justice.

[14:08] These proceedings will be open to the public conducted in accordance with the law in handled with the diligence in confidence to ensure that justice is

[14:18] never compromised. It is a standing order of this court that Mister Robinson Shelby allowed to appear in person. So he can fully engage with his attorneys and

[14:29] purse to dissipate in these legal proceedings. Council regardless of who is watching whether it is the nation are single individual.

[14:38] We must fulfill our roles with integrity. Civility and diligence I encourage each of you to give your very best to this case.

[14:48] You Mister Robinson know the people of Utah deserve anything less than the fair and impartial and ministration of justice.

[14:58] In regards to the next hearing Council on that October 30th day to 10:00AM this court's intent that be in person if it be the wish of Council

[15:09] for the defense for Mister Robinson to be present.

[15:14] >> It is your honor thank you, thank you.

[15:17] >> Council anything else that we can address today.

[15:21] You know we appreciate the comments with respect to your honor's role in this case. Unlike matter we commit to approach this case with integrity with

[15:31] professionalism and stability. We are truth.

[15:34] Seekers we will aggressively pursue the truth in this case, thank you thank you.

[15:40] Alright Council must there's anything else thank you for being here this court is in recess.

[15:51] >> And that concludes at that hearing Philip let's go ahead and bring you in on this listening to Kathy nester there who has decades of experience

[16:00] in the legal field. She is going to be representing Tyler Robinson along with a number of other attorneys we also heard from the prosecutor

[16:08] in the case Chad granderson and

[16:13] his team, not surprising that she gave the defense counsel gave an indication that they do not plan to waive a preliminary hearing Philip.

[16:19] >> Oh yeah, no no no surprise at all first of all they don't even have all the other it's in our possession yet they don't have a complete list of all the witnesses.

[16:30] One thing I do like about the state of Utah, they have some pretty strict requirements to be appointed as capital defense Council.

[16:36] First of all you have to have these 5 years experience as a Knick Kearney and most lawyers that's not very much.

[16:43] But in the quarter point cases where Council is learning substantially less and you would get in private sector. That's it that's it decent amount of time

[16:52] they also require think you have these 6 felony jury trials is defense counsel and at least one.

[17:00] Or a total of 25 trials that you've got at least 11 hours of teaching or receiving. Legal education after law school so it's a pretty strict require and I'm

[17:11] not going to say it's a high bar, but the goal is to make sure that any capital defending gets competent representation and let me tell you it got a great team. They also require

[17:22] that you have these 2 attorneys working on the case.

[17:25] One likely will be assigned to the guilt phase and one will be for mitigation working on everything that went wrong during this man's life to hopefully spare his life but I

[17:34] like the trajectory of this team, and it seems like to know exactly what they're doing the only criticism I have is that those closing words about how we're all here to seek justice

[17:45] like that you know the Warriors of just utter knees and judges don't speak that weigh in open court.

[17:51] It's pretty soon that everybody will act with integrity with honor and to articulate it on the record in my opinion is pandering to the >> all right Philip, so what

[18:02] we're looking at here is October 30th, 10:00AM is the next court date that's going to be yet another status hearing so to speak.

[18:08] Defendant wishes to be present for that one he was not today.

[18:13] He was not in his zoom camera in view he was in the jail during this hearing, but what do you make of the fact that the prosecute there's intending

[18:22] to seek the death penalty here and do you think that that is also part of the reason why there's no rush to get to court for the next court date it kind of it

[18:33] you expands the timeline here correct.

[18:35] >> Of course and the practical reality of it is that capital cases take it least 45 years to get to trial if that are you they're the types of cases that really

[18:49] require and more money of investigation, psychiatric work. Psycho social workup and certainly you want to be able see if you need your own experts to review all the

[19:00] evidence independent of the prosecution's theory. So this is the kind of stuff that does not happen overnight. I don't believe their premiu