Fourth District Judge Tony Graf took the bench for the first time in his new role less than two months ago. Now he’s overseeing one of the most high-profile criminal cases in the country.
And at the end of a brief hearing Monday in Provo for Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the new judge paused to make a pledge about how he will handle the proceedings in the spotlight.
Kirk’s slaying on Sept. 10 has fueled political tensions across the nation, with President Donald Trump hailing him as a Christian “martyr” as others — including temporarily suspended late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel — have criticized the administration’s response or debated Kirk’s legacy.
Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder and other counts in Kirk’s death at Utah Valley University.
A conviction for aggravated murder carries a potential death penalty — which Trump, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and other politicians urged before and after police identified Robinson as a suspect.
In future hearings, the judge intends “to only speak when I’m needed or it is necessary,” he said. “But today,” Graf added, “I wish to provide guidance and expectations that you can have from this court.”
Going forward, “Mr. Robinson’s constitutional rights will be protected at every stage,” the judge vowed. “He sits before this court presumed innocent and that presumption remains unless and until each element of every offense charged against him is proved beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Reporting by Jessica Schreifels and Paighten Harkins
The Salt Lake Tribune
Pool video from Fox 13 News.
Judge Tony Graf’s Promise to the Charlie Kirk’s accused killer Tyler Robinson
