Robinson’s Defense Seeks 2029 Trial in Kirk Killing

Tyler Robinson’s defense asked a Utah judge to schedule his capital trial for the third quarter of 2029, while prosecutors and Charlie Kirk’s widow urged an earlier start. The competing proposals were due to be considered at a hearing on October 23, 2026, but no ruling was reported in the accounts of the hearing scheduled that day. In a court memorandum, Robinson’s lawyers estimated that the trial would last six to seven months and said they needed substantial time to prepare. They cited jury selection, pretrial motions and the volume of evidence to review, as well as preparation for a possible sentencing phase if Robinson is convicted. The defense also said it intended to conduct a study of whether the case could receive a fair trial in Utah County and might seek a change of venue. Utah County prosecutors said they could be ready by October 4, 2027, and estimated a 17-week trial. They proposed starting on January 31, 2028, saying that date would avoid the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and the worst of winter. The proposals are estimates in court filings, not a trial schedule set by the judge. Jeffrey Neiman, a lawyer for Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, asked Judge Tony Graf...