Tyler Robinson’s legal team has put forward a concerning argument in a peculiar request to the authorities prior to his court appearance.
Robinson was taken into custody for the alleged murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk last month.
The incident occurred when Kirk was shot and killed during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Following the incident, a large-scale manhunt was launched, leading to the FBI’s announcement of an arrest within two days, identifying the suspect believed to be responsible.
Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
Officials have not yet disclosed a possible motive for Kirk’s killing, but Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted. Utah remains one of the few states that still permits execution by firing squad.
Robinson has not yet submitted a plea regarding the charges. He has been in custody since his arrest and has requested a court hearing.
The defendant has asked a Utah judge to allow him to wear civilian attire in court instead of shackles and prison clothing.
Robinson compared his situation to Bryan Kohberger, a convicted murderer in Idaho, who received a similar concession.
Robinson’s legal representatives argue that images of him in a prison uniform and restraints could prejudice jurors, making them believe he is already guilty and should receive the death penalty.
The defense claims this could compromise Robinson’s right to a fair trial. These arguments were outlined in a 21-page motion submitted on Thursday (October 9) to Utah’s 4th District Court.
The motion, addressed to District Judge Tony Graf, states: “In the face of worldwide scrutiny, permitting Mr Robinson to wear civilian clothing for court appearances is a minor inconvenience compared to the already present concerns with securing a fair trial before an impartial jury.
“With each development in the case generating thousands of articles and comments online, the likelihood of potential jurors seeing and drawing conclusions regarding Mr. Robinson’s guilt and or deserved punishment from obvious signs of pretrial incarceration will only increase.”
The motion continues: “Given the pervasive media coverage in this case, the repeated and ubiquitous display of Mr. Robinson in jail garb, shackles, and a suicide vest will undoubtedly be viewed by prospective jurors and will inevitably lead to prosecutive juror perception that he is guilty and deserving of death.”