Utah Attorney Kathryn Nester Appointed In Tyler Robinson Case

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 18, 2025, 9:46 PM

utah attorney kathryn nester appointed in tyler robinson case

On September 24, 2025, the Utah County Commission unanimously approved a contract to appoint legal counsel for Tyler James Robinson, as required under Utah law and after the court determined he couldn’t afford private... This action fulfills the Commission’s constitutional responsibility to ensure that individuals accused of a crime—who cannot afford legal representation—are provided with a qualified defense. In reaching this agreement, the Commission relied on the advice of an independent criminal defense attorney, whom it has retained to advise the Commission in these situations. The contract names Kathryn Nester as counsel for Mr. Robinson. Moving forward, all inquiries related to Mr.

Robinson’s legal representation should be directed to Nester-Lewis, Attorneys at Law at media@nesterlewis.com. Copyright © 2025 Utah County Government - All rights reserved Provo (September 24, 2025) This afternoon, the Utah County Commission unanimously approved a contract to appoint legal counsel for Tyler James Robinson, as required under Utah law and after the court determined he couldn’t... This action fulfills the Commission’s constitutional responsibility to ensure individuals accused of a crime who cannot afford legal representation are provided with a qualified defense. The contract names Kathryn Nester as counsel for Robinson. During Wednesday’s meeting Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran said, “The cost to Utah County taxpayers will exceed $1,000,000 in both the prosecution and defense of this case.”

This is the one of several capital crime cases that are outside Utah County’s public defender’s contract. Nester is a Salt Lake City based trial attorney with experience in capital murder cases, including those with high public profile. She is a partner in the Nester Lewis law firm. According to the firm’s website, Nester’s “sixty-plus jury trials have included a wide variety of complex cases including capital murder, murder, complex fraud, sex offenses, drugs and weapons cases in criminal courts and wrongful... Panelists Joshua Ritter and George Terwilliger assess the mounting evidence against Tyler Robinson, the man charged with killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, on ‘The Ingraham Angle.’ OREM, Utah — Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson was appointed an attorney prior to the suspect's court appearance next week, officials said on Wednesday evening.

Kirk was taken to a hospital in critical condition following the shooting on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where he died, officials said. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense... CHARLIE KIRK'S ALLEGED ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON FACES DEATH PENALTY AS CHARGES FORMALLY ANNOUNCED PROVO — The Utah County Commission appointed an attorney for Tyler Robinson, who is charged with killing Charlie Kirk, and unanimously passed $1 million in staffing additions Wednesday to aid the prosecution and defense... The commission unanimously approved a contract appointing defense attorney Kathryn Nester as legal counsel for Robinson.

Nester has represented defendants in other high profile cases before, such as Kouri Richins, the Kamas woman accused of murdering her husband, and Dr. Kirk Moore, the plastic surgeon who was federally indicted on charges of distributing fake vaccine cards but whose charges were dismissed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. "This action fulfills the commission's constitutional responsibility to ensure that individuals accused of a crime — who cannot afford legal representation — are provided with a qualified defense. In reaching this agreement, the commission relied on the advice of an independent criminal defense attorney, whom it has retained to advise the commission in these situations," the commission's statement said. Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner said during Wednesday's commission meeting that it isn't typical to add staffing midyear, but it is necessary to maintain the level of service in the county amid such a high-profile...

"In this chamber, our duty is responsibility to ensure our laws are carried out fairly, and that includes ensuring both a well-equipped prosecution and a competent defense," she said. "While this case draws headlines, we cannot allow this tragedy to cast aside others waiting for resolution. Every victim of crime in Utah County, whether their story makes the news or not, deserves dignity, attention and timely justice." (Scott G. Winterton | Pool) Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect in the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, appears by camera before Judge Tony Graf in Utah's 4th District Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 for his initial appearance.

Utah County officials announced Wednesday afternoon that the county has contracted with a prominent public defender to represent Tyler James Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Utah County Commission on Wednesday approved the contract for defense attorney Kathryn Nester to represent Robinson. He is accused of shooting Kirk, the controversial Turning Point USA founder, on Sept. 10 while Kirk was speaking in front of thousands at Utah Valley University. Robinson faces a potential death penalty if he is convicted. Utah County prosecutors charged him with seven counts, including aggravated murder.

He also faces charges accusing him of illegally discharging a firearm, obstructing justice, witness tampering and committing violence in the presence of children. During his first court appearance last week, a judge found that Robinson could not afford his own attorney — so Utah County is now constitutionally required to foot the bill. The lead defense attorney,Kathryn Nester, has officially been appointed by the court for Tyler Robinson, who was booked into jail after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The defense team and prosecutors met withFourth District Court Judge Tony Graf in Provo for a waiver hearing on Monday, September 29, 2025. (Pool Photo) PROVO, Utah (KUTV) — The lead defense attorney has officially been appointed by the court for Tyler Robinson, who was booked into jail after the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Robinson was arrested after the September 10 shooting during Kirk's visit to Utah Valley University. Due to security issues, he listened in to the waiver hearing from the Utah County Jail Monday morning. The hearing lasted just over 10 minutes. Robinson was originally scheduled to appear in court in person for the first time, but officials with the Utah County Attorney's Office announced Saturday that he would listen virtually instead. Yesterday, the Utah County Commission unanimously voted to appoint Kathryn Nester as legal counsel for Tyler James Robinson, according to a statement released by the commission. Robinson, unable to afford private legal representation, will now receive support to ensure his right to a qualified defense as mandated by Utah law and the Sixth Amendment of the U.S.

Constitution, according to Utah County. The commission had to quickly act, following a determination from the court that Robinson was financially incapable of hiring his own lawyer. They acted on the advice of an independent criminal defense attorney retained specifically to guide them on such matters. This move comes as a standard procedure to uphold the principle that justice should not be exclusive to the financially advantaged. Kathryn Nester, who will be taking on Robinson's case, is associated with the firm Nester-Lewis, Attorneys at Law. Following this appointment, the firm is now the point of contact for all queries related to Robinson's defense.

For media inquiries, Nester-Lewis can be reached at [email protected]. We’re learning new details about the man accused of assassinating right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Officials shared the unusual terms he demanded before surrendering to police in Utah. 22-year-old Tyler Robinson agreed to turn himself in, but only if the arrest was peaceful. Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said he got a call from a retired detective on Thursday,… One week after the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, questions are surfacing about key pieces of evidence released in the case.

Some of the strongest criticism is coming from those closest to Kirk, who say a text exchange central to the prosecution doesn’t add up. Candace Owens calls messages ‘doctored’ Conservative commentator Candace Owens,… Authorities in Utah say 71-year-old George Zinn deliberately misled police by falsely claiming he was responsible for the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10 in the immediate... Utah County Sheriff Michael Smith said Zinn admitted that he “yelled that he was the shooter to… On Tuesday, the Utah County District Attorney’s Office announced it filed charges against the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray shared the charges against Tyler Robinson in a news conference on Tuesday. Gray announced he filed seven charges against Robinson, including aggravated murder, felony discharge… The man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk is due in court Tuesday. However, prior to his hearing, he’ll likely be formally charged with aggravated murder. The charge opens the door to a possible death penalty case. Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of shooting Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University.

Kirk was…

Utah Attorney Kathryn Nester Appointed In Tyler Robinson Case

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