A Utah judge is set to rule on a contempt motion in the case against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The defense is arguing that comments made by prosecutors to the media violated a pretrial publicity order and are seeking to have the death penalty removed as a possible punishment if contempt is found.

Background

Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, felony use of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering in the September shooting death of Kirk. The defense has raised concerns about news coverage of the high-profile case potentially harming their client’s right to a fair trial.

The contempt motion was filed in response to interviews given by prosecutor Christopher Ballard to several media outlets about an inconclusive ballistics report. Ballard testified that his remarks were about circumstances that can lead to an inconclusive test result, not about specific evidence, and said he included comments indicating Robinson is presumed innocent.

The defense has argued that Ballard’s comments were ‘extremely reckless’ and violated the court’s order. The judge will also weigh whether prosecutors will be allowed to present hearsay evidence during Robinson’s preliminary hearing, which is scheduled to begin next month.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.