Utah prosecutors have filed seven charges against Tyler Robinson in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 while addressing students at Utah Valley University.
He is accused of firing the single rifle shot from a rooftop sniper’s nest that pierced Kirk’s neck last Wednesday on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, about 65 km south of Salt Lake City.
Robinson allegedly confessed in a text message to his partner and left behind a note declaring he would seize the chance to kill “one of the nation’s leading conservative voices.” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the bolt-action rifle used in the attack.
Utah prosecutors said on Tuesday they will seek the death penalty for the Tyler Robinson. Prosecutors allege Robinson fired from the roof of a nearby building, striking Kirk in the neck. The charges, ranging from aggravated murder to witness tampering, carry penalties that could include the death sentence if Robinson is convicted.
TYLER ROBINSON FACES SEVEN CRIMINAL CHARGES
-
Aggravated murder: Prosecutors say Robinson planned and carried out the killing in a way that endangered others in the area, making it a capital offense.
-
Felony discharge of a firearm: Robinson is accused of firing the fatal shot with a high-powered rifle, killing Kirk and putting nearby students and faculty at risk.
-
Obstruction of justice (Weapon): Investigators allege Robinson tried to hide the rifle after the shooting in an effort to cover his tracks.
-
Obstruction of justice (Clothing): Prosecutors say Robinson attempted to conceal or dispose of the clothing he wore during the attack.
-
Witness tampering (Texts): According to investigators, Robinson urged his roommate to delete messages exchanged after the shooting to destroy evidence.
-
Witness tampering (Silence): Prosecutors say Robinson also instructed his roommate not to speak with law enforcement about the case.
-
Violent offence in presence of a child: Robinson allegedly opened fire in view of children under 14, an aggravating factor that elevates the severity of the charges.
-
Aggravated murder: Prosecutors say Robinson planned and carried out the killing in a way that endangered others in the area, making it a capital offense.
-
Felony discharge of a firearm: Robinson is accused of firing the fatal shot with a high-powered rifle, killing Kirk and putting nearby students and faculty at risk.
-
Obstruction of justice (Weapon): Investigators allege Robinson tried to hide the rifle after the shooting in an effort to cover his tracks.
-
Obstruction of justice (Clothing): Prosecutors say Robinson attempted to conceal or dispose of the clothing he wore during the attack.
-
Witness tampering (Texts): According to investigators, Robinson urged his roommate to delete messages exchanged after the shooting to destroy evidence.
-
Witness tampering (Silence): Prosecutors say Robinson also instructed his roommate not to speak with law enforcement about the case.
-
Violent offence in presence of a child: Robinson allegedly opened fire in view of children under 14, an aggravating factor that elevates the severity of the charges.
– Ends