Tyler Robinson is requesting to postpone his upcoming preliminary hearing, referencing the substantial amount of evidence in his case.
Robinson, 22, is charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Charlie Kirk, a far right political activist, who was killed on Sept. 10 on Utah Valley University’s campus. Robinson could face the death penalty if he is found guilty. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 18, 19 and 21.
In a motion filed by his defense team, Robinson is asking that the hearing be postponed. Attorneys argue they need more time to review the thousands of files and additional evidence that have not yet been provided.
“Discovery in this case is incomplete, voluminous, and the processing of it is complex,” Robinson argues in his motion.
According to the motion, the defense has already received 20,000 files, including audio, video and written documents. However, attorneys say that other materials, such as forensic reports from federal agencies, have not yet been given.
The defense also pointed out the intricacy of the evidence, particularly regarding the DNA analysis.
“Determining the number of contributors to a DNA mixture, and determining whether the FBI or ATF reliably applied validated and correct scientific procedures…is a complicated process which requires the assistance of various types of experts,” the motion states.
Additionally, an early firearm report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives indicated that a bullet recovered during the autopsy could not be positively linked to the weapon allegedly tied to Robinson.
Robinson is scheduled to appear in court again on April 17, where the judge may consider the request to delay the hearing.
Author: Charlee Steed
Photo: Rick Egan, The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
