Accused Charlie Kirk killer pleads not guilty to aggravated murder as he faces possible death penalty

The murder case against the man accused of killing political commentator Charlie Kirk can proceed to trial with a charge that makes the suspect eligible for the death penalty, a Utah judge ruled Tuesday.

The judge said prosecutors have shown probable cause to support an aggravated murder charge against Tyler Robinson for the alleged shooting of Kirk at a college campus outdoor event a year ago.

Robinson, 23, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all the charges against him.

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The ruling by Judge Tony F. Graf of Utah County’s 4th District Court follows a week-long hearing in July in which prosecutors outlined the evidence against Robinson, including video footage they say depicts his movements across the Utah Valley University campus on the day of the shooting.

“Today’s decision, which comes nearly a year since Charlie was taken from us, marks an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice for him,” according to a statement issued by Kirk’s family.

Kirk, who was 31, was killed on Sept. 10 while on tour for his politically conservative organization, Turning Point USA. He had been speaking to a crowd of more than 3,000 people for about 20 minutes when a shot was fired from a nearby building.

The slaying sparked a manhunt that involved federal, state and local authorities. Ultimately, prosecutors charged Robinson after he turned himself in to authorities. Since then he has been held without bail.

Prosecutors have said the evidence they have collected against him is “overwhelming,” including DNA they say connects Robinson with a rifle found wrapped inside a towel on campus, as well as communications Robinson had with his friends and roommate after the shooting.

Ryan McBride, a lawyer with the Utah County Attorney’s office, argued that the aggravated murder charge is appropriate because the shooting endangered others who were present at the event where Kirk was killed.