Report Blog Entry
The news initially reported a list of only 2 charges -- aggravated murder and obstruction of justice. But being a forensics junkie, I knew those definitely weren't the only charges they'd be hitting him with, lol. Robinson's first virtual court hearing was yesterday, and he was read the list of charges, as it's his right to hear them. So let's go over the full list and what that means for sentencing. There are 7 counts in total. Robinson is in the process of being appointed a lawyer by the court, as the judge found him indigent (unable to pay for his own).
1 count of aggravated murder -- Purposely causing the death of another (or unlawful termination of a pregnancy) with prior planning and pattern, or intentionally causing the death of another under the age of 13, a law enforcement officer, or in the course of committing certain serious felony offenses.
Aggravated murder differs from first degree murder due to the severity of the crime, or "aggravating factors" such as the identity of the victim (for example, a police officer), the manner of killing (e.g., torture), or the circumstances surrounding the act (committing the murder in a particularly cruel way, or during another serious crime).
Why he got this charge: Tyler Robinson intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Charlie Kirk, and also knowingly created great risk of death or injury to another individual other than Charlie Kirk. Aggravating factor 1: Robinson intentionally selected Kirk as a target because of his beliefs or perception of Kirk's political expression. This is a "victim targeting enhancement." Aggravating factor 2: Violent offense committed in the presence of a child.
What it means for sentencing: Aggravated murder is punishable by life in prison without parole, and a life sentence is mandatory under Utah law. In Utah, it may also carry the death penalty. It's important to note that the prosecution HAS already filed a motion to seek the death penalty.
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1 count of felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury -- This is pretty self-explanatory: Discharging a firearm in the direction of one or more individuals, knowing or having reason to believe that any individual may be endangered by the discharge of the firearm. In plain English; pointing a gun at somebody with intent to harm, intimidate or harass.
Why he got this charge: Tyler Robinson discharged a firearm in the direction of Charlie Kirk, knowing that Kirk may be endangered by the discharge of said firearm, and that the act caused serious bodily injury to Kirk. Victim targeting enhancement: Robinson intentionally selected Charlie Kirk because of his beliefs or perception of Kirk's political expression. Aggravating factor: Violent offense committed in the presence of a child.
What this means for sentencing: Felony discharge of a firearm is punishable by 3 - 5 years in prison, and serious bodily injury is punishable by 3 - 15 years (and also classifies it as a first-degree felony).
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2 counts of obstruction of justice -- willfully taking measures to obstruct the process of justice by providing false information or otherwise hampering an investigation or legal process. For example, hiding a murder weapon, blocking officers from arresting someone, or disposing of evidence.
Why he got this charge: Robinson concealed the firearm used to shoot Charlie Kirk, and also destroyed, concealed or removed the clothing he wore during the shooting.
What this means for sentencing: The penalty for obstruction of justice can be anywhere from a fine as a misdemeanor, to 10 years in prison as a felony. In this case, the charge is a felony charge.
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2 counts of witness tampering -- Attempting to influence, alter, or prevent the testimony of a witness or their cooperation with law enforcement. This can involve intimidation, coercion, or bribery. For example, threatening someone to keep their mouth shut about a crime.
Why he got this charge: Robinson attempted to convince his roommate to withhold testimony, information, a document or an item by directing his roommate to delete incriminating text messages, and telling the roommate to stay silent if police questioned them.
What this means for sentencing: Witness tampering is another offense which depending on the circumstances, can be punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony. In Utah, witness tampering is a felony offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
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1 count commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child -- again, pretty self-explanatory.
Why he got this charge: Robinson committed criminal homicide in the physical presence of a child younger than 14 years of age, with knowledge that a child was present, and may have seen or heard the commission of the act. Victim targeting enhancement: Robinson intentionally selected Charlie Kirk because of his beliefs or perception of Kirk's political expression.
What this means for sentencing: Violent offense in the presence of a child is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine or compensatory service.
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Over all, if Robinson is successfully found guilty of all these charges and the sentences are order to run consecutively, he's looking at anywhere between 23 - 45 years in prison and $6,000 in fines, not even including the mandatory life sentence for aggravated murder and the possibility of the death penalty. Even if he is somehow only convicted of aggravated murder, dude is spending the rest of his life in prison without parole.
The next court meeting is scheduled for September 29th at 10 AM, and will be a virtual waiver hearing. There is a high likelihood that the criminal trial itself will be televised, as that is typical for Utah criminal cases.
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