A Utah District Court judge has ruled that the Utah County Attorney’s Office will remain on the case against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, rejecting defense arguments that prosecutors have a conflict of interest.
Robinson’s attorneys had asked the court to disqualify the entire prosecutor’s office, citing a potential conflict involving Deputy County Attorney Chad Grunander. The defense argued that because Grunander’s child attended the Turning Point USA event where Kirk was killed, the office’s continued involvement could compromise the fairness of the prosecution.
Prosecutors countered that the teenager’s presence at the event did not influence the handling of the case. The 18-year-old, a student at Utah Valley University where the event was held, did not witness the shooting and did not observe any potential suspects.
During earlier court proceedings, Grunander testified that he disclosed his child’s attendance at the event to colleagues shortly after the incident. Despite this, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray assigned him to the prosecution team, stating that the connection had no impact on charging decisions or the move to seek the death penalty.
In his ruling, Judge Tony Graf said there was no evidence of bias, prejudice, or improper influence arising from the situation. He found that the teenager possessed no unique or relevant information about the crime and therefore would not be a necessary witness. Prosecutors have said they do not plan to call the child to testify, though the defense could seek a subpoena if it believes the testimony is needed.
Defense attorney Richard Novak criticized what he described as a relaxed approach to the potential conflict, arguing that Grunander should have been removed from the case and that the defense should have been notified immediately. He also contended that decisions about charges and capital punishment should not involve anyone with a personal link to the event.
The judge ultimately concluded that there was no proof the prosecution’s decision to pursue the death penalty was influenced by concerns for the child’s safety.
Robinson faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, firearm-related offenses, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering, as well as several sentencing enhancements. He has not yet entered pleas. A preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin May 18 and is expected to last three days, after which Robinson will be arraigned.
