Why The Attorney For Charlie Kirk S Suspected Killer May Cost Taxpayer

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 18, 2025, 2:23 AM

why the attorney for charlie kirk s suspected killer may cost taxpayer

Sep 18, 2025, 12:02 PM | Updated: Sep 25, 2025, 9:43 am SALT LAKE CITY — Utah County announced the name of the defense attorney who will represent the man accused of shooting and killing Charlie Kirk at UVU, and according to legal experts, the price... KSL Legal Analyst Greg Skordas helped Utah County select the legal representation for the alleged shooter, Tyler James Robinson, 22. The Utah County Commission announced on Wednesday that its members unanimously approved a contract to appoint Kathryn Nester as Robinson’s defense attorney. The reason for such a high cost, Skordas said, is because prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in Robinson’s case. Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner discusses the legal, financial, and emotional pressures Utah County faces as the Charlie Kirk murder case moves toward trial.

Utah County leaders are navigating mounting costs, national media attention and public frustration over the county’s obligation to pay for defense attorneys in the case against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Turning... Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner, one of three elected county commissioners who oversee policy, operations and finances, said Utah County has already spent "just over a quarter of a million dollars" on the case, a... "Under the Constitution, we have a right to a competent defense," Powers Gardner said. "It is imperative that if we want to have a society that we believe in justice, that justice needs to be fair and equal." She said she’s heard from constituents who are frustrated that taxpayer dollars will fund his defense. Still, she emphasized the county’s constitutional duty and the financial wisdom of ensuring a fair trial, especially in a potential death-penalty case.

The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk will have an experienced team of lawyers representing him in the high-profile capital murder case. Utah County hired three attorneys to represent Tyler James Robinson after 4th District Court Judge Tony Graf found he doesn’t have the financial means to pay a lawyer. Salt Lake City attorney Kathryn N. Nester is the lead counsel, while Michael N. Burt and Richard G. Novak, both of California, are co-counsel.

All have substantial experience in death penalty cases. Robinson allegedly shot Kirk with a high-powered rifle from a rooftop as the conservative political activist spoke at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. At the urging of his parents and a family friend, Robinson turned himself in to police near his home in Washington County, Utah, the next day. Authorities announced the arrest in a press conference Sept. 12.

Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder and six other crimes in connection with the fatal shooting. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray is pursuing the death penalty. Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Tyler Robinson's prosecution and defence are expected to cost Utah taxpayers more than US$1.3 million (S$1.68 million). The Utah criminal defence attorney appointed to represent Mr Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin previously represented a once-fugitive leader of a polygamous sect and was a top public defender in Salt Lake City and San... Ms Kathryn Nester, of the Salt Lake City-based law firm Nester Lewis, was appointed to represent Tyler Robinson, the Utah County Commission said in a press release on Sept 24.

The state is seeking the death penalty for Robinson, who was charged with one count of aggravated murder after Prosecutors have filed a notice to seek the death penalty for Robinson. Tyler Robinson, who is accused of assassinating conservative influencer Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, has been formally charged with a slew of offenses, including aggravated murder, with prosecutors announcing the intent to seek the death penalty. Robinson, 22, has also been charged with felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of... Gray, who described Kirk's death as "an American tragedy," said he does not "take this decision lightly" in regard to seeking the death penalty for Robinson.

The suspected shooter will continue to be held without bail. Robinson made his first appearance in court virtually on Tuesday, where a judge read off the suspect’s charges. He will remain in custody. Utah prosecutors said on Tuesday they will seek the death penalty for the suspect in conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination. LiveNOW's Christina Evans breaks down the details from the latest update with legal analyst Jeremy Rosenthal. Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a campus speech earlier this month, finally has a defense attorney.

Kathryn Nester, a former federal public defender with more than 30 years of experience, is spearheading the defense, according to a Utah County spokesperson. Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was facing a crowd at Utah Valley University as part of a national speaking tour when a sniper's bullet struck him in the neck in the campus courtyard. In a news release on Wednesday, officials announced Robinson's attorney was approved by the Utah County Commission. (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. FBI Director Kash Patel speaks at a news conference on Sept. 12, 2025, in Orem, Utah, as Utah department of public safety commissioner Beau Mason, left, and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox listen. Lindsay Wasson/AP hide caption

Authorities have arrested a 22-year-old suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, officials said Friday, bringing an end to a frantic manhunt for the gunman behind an assassination that deepened concerns about... "We got him," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said at a news conference early Friday. Cox identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson of Utah. Analysts and law enforcement authorities are still sifting through evidence and conducting interviews to learn as much as they can about Robinson's beliefs and what may have led him to allegedly kill Kirk. Among the items investigators are examining are bullet casings with messages inscribed on them, inscriptions that could be references to gaming and online culture.

The Atlanta Voice has stood as a pillar of truth, empowerment, and advocacy in Metro Atlanta for six decades. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we invite you to invest in independent journalism that serves YOU. Every dollar fuels our mission to keep our stories alive. (CNN) — PROVO, UTAH — Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, appeared virtually for his first court hearing since he was formally charged with aggravated murder on September... Judge Tony F. Graf said Tuesday that Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk, will remain in custody, without bail.

“Mr. Robinson at this time, you will remain in custody, without bail,” Graf said. Graf said he reviewed Robinson’s financial situation and found that he is “indigent,” meaning he cannot afford legal fees. What to Know About Charlie Kirk's Assassination and the Death Penalty Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect in the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, appears by camera before Judge Tony Graf of the 4th District Court on September 16, 2025 for his initial appearance in Provo... Scott G Winterton/Pool via REUTERS

(Corrects the third section of the story to show there are instances in which firing squad could still be used in Utah, instead of saying Utah banned the firing squad.) (Reuters) - Utah prosecutors said on Tuesday they will seek the death penalty for the trade school student suspected of assassinating right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk. Below is a look at the use of capital punishment in the United States and in Utah.

Why The Attorney For Charlie Kirk S Suspected Killer May Cost Taxpayer

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