Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is expected to appear in court on Monday to learn when his trial will begin.
Robinson is scheduled to appear at 1pm Mountain Time (3pm Eastern Time) as the court considers the proposed timelines for the case.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including aggravated murder, following the September 10, 2025, shooting at a Turning Point USA event in Utah.
If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
Robinson surrendered to authorities the day after Kirk was shot.
His defence team has not presented an alternative explanation for the killing.
Erika Kirk Opposes Proposed Trial Delay
The court appearance comes amid disagreement over when proceedings should begin, with Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, strongly opposing a request by Robinson’s lawyers to postpone the trial until 2029.
Erika, who has two children with the late conservative activist, described the proposed delay as unreasonable.
Her lawyer, Jeffrey Neiman, has argued that the proceedings should begin in October 2027 at the latest, maintaining that a lengthy delay would violate his client’s rights to a speedy trial as a victim under Utah law.
Neiman also highlighted the impact the proposed timetable could have on Kirk’s children, who were one and three years old when their father was killed.
“Under the Defendants’ proposed schedule, Mr. Kirk’s two children, who were one and three at the time he was murdered, will be six and eight years old by the time the trial concludes,” he wrote in a court filing.
He added that the children would be left dealing with uncertainty surrounding the criminal proceedings for longer than they had their father in their lives.
Neiman further raised concerns about the financial implications of extending the case, pointing to the $1.6 million already required for Robinson’s defence, according to Fox News.
Prosecutors Propose January 2028 Start
Prosecutors have estimated that the trial could last approximately 17 weeks and previously indicated that they would be prepared to proceed by October 2027.
However, they proposed January 2028 as a potential starting date to avoid scheduling proceedings around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Robinson’s defence lawyers have argued that accelerating the process could undermine the fairness of the proceedings.
In their court filing, they warned that a rushed trial could create unrealistic expectations among members of the public and Kirk’s family representative.
They also argued that both legal teams might struggle to complete constitutionally required tasks, while the court could be pressured into making decisions on complicated pretrial motions without sufficient time.
The defence maintained that such circumstances could jeopardise Robinson’s right to a reliable capital proceeding.
Judge Upholds Aggravated Murder Charge
The scheduling dispute follows an earlier decision by Utah District Judge Tony Graf, who ruled in September that Robinson would face an aggravated murder charge.
The decision came after prosecutors presented evidence over five days, arguing that they had substantial evidence connecting Robinson to Kirk’s killing.
Robinson’s legal team had attempted to prevent the case from proceeding to trial or, alternatively, have the death penalty removed as a possible punishment.
They argued that prosecutors had not established that Kirk’s shooting placed other people at risk of death, an aggravating factor required under Utah law for the capital charge.
Judge Graf rejected the defence’s arguments, citing the positions of several people inside and around the tent where Kirk was speaking when he was shot.
The judge could have allowed the case to proceed on a lesser murder charge, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Robinson showed no visible reaction as the ruling was delivered, while his mother became tearful.
Kirk’s family described the decision as an important development in their pursuit of justice.
In a statement, they said every stage of the case carried the weight of what his death had taken from the family, particularly his children, who would grow up without their father.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Shooting From Rooftop
According to prosecutors, Robinson fired the fatal shot from a rooftop more than 400 feet away from Kirk, who was addressing an audience at an open-air event attended by more than 3,000 people.
Prosecutors allege that the shooting created a significant risk of death for people gathered at the venue.
Ryan McBride of the Utah County Attorney’s Office said Robinson killed Kirk because he disagreed with his views.
He argued that firing a high-powered rifle into a large crowd created a danger that anyone could have recognised.
However, Robinson’s attorney, Staci Visser, disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of the aggravated murder law.
She argued that prosecutors were attempting to force the case into the state’s aggravated murder statute without establishing the required level of risk to other people.
Visser cited previous court decisions requiring evidence of a high probability that others could have been killed, rather than simply the possibility of additional casualties.
She also pointed out that Kirk was seated on an elevated stage and was not immediately beside other people when he was shot once in the neck.
“There is one shot. There is one bullet. There is one victim,” Visser told the court, adding that there was no evidence of an attempt to harm anyone else.
Prosecutor Chad Grunander countered that the alleged murder weapon, a bolt-action rifle, contained additional rounds that had not been fired.
He argued that Robinson had arrived prepared to shoot again.
DNA Evidence and Alleged Confession Presented
During the September proceedings, prosecutors presented DNA evidence and a handwritten note they allege Robinson left for his romantic partner.
The note reportedly stated: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.”
Prosecutors also said DNA analysis connected Robinson to the rifle and a tool allegedly used to engrave messages onto the bullet cartridges.
Some of the reported inscriptions included “Hey, fascist! CATCH!” and “If you read this, you are gay.”
The prosecution has also cited an alleged text message in which Robinson discussed Kirk, writing: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Prosecutors have alleged that Robinson confessed to the killing, saying he had reached a point where he could no longer tolerate Kirk’s views.
Trump Demands Faster Trial
US President Donald Trump has also commented on the expected trial timeline, criticising the handling of the case last month.
Trump questioned the judge’s management of the proceedings and argued that the case should not take several years to conclude.
“The judge in the Charlie Kirk case is doing a terrible job! This case should be tried within a month, not three years — and it should be over with!” he said.
Before his death, Kirk and his organisation, Turning Point USA, played a significant role in mobilising young conservative voters in support of Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign.
Robinson’s Monday court appearance is expected to provide further clarity on the timetable for the trial as prosecutors, defence lawyers and Kirk’s family continue to disagree over how quickly the case should proceed.
