Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson asked a Utah judge to swap his shackles and prison garb for civilian clothes in court — arguing that convicted Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger was granted the same break.
Lawyers for the 22-year-old accused killer claimed that photos showing him in a prison jumpsuit and restraints could make potential jurors think he’s guilty and “deserving” of the death penalty — jeopardizing his chance at a fair trial, according to a 21-page motion filed Thursday in Utah’s 4th District Court.
“In the face of worldwide scrutiny, permitting Mr. Robinson to wear civilian clothing for court appearances is a minor inconvenience compared to the already present concerns with securing a fair trial before an impartial jury,” his lawyers argued in their filing to District Judge Tony Graf.
“With each development in the case generating thousands of articles and comments online, the likelihood of potential jurors seeing and drawing conclusions regarding Mr. Robinson’s guilt and or deserved punishment from obvious signs of pretrial incarceration will only increase.”
Robinson — who is accused of gunning down the conservative activist during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 — was seen sporting a “suicide smock” during a virtual hearing last month.
“Given the pervasive media coverage in this case, the repeated and ubiquitous display of Mr. Robinson in jail garb, shackles, and a suicide vest will undoubtedly be viewed by prospective jurors and will inevitably lead to prosecutive juror perception that he is guilty and deserving of death,” the motion states.
A footnote in the filing also cites Kohberger’s “highly publicized death penalty case,” where he was granted a request to wear a suit and sit in the courtroom without handcuffs during pretrial hearings.
However, the quadruple murderer’s courtroom appearance didn’t help him, as he was sentenced in July to life in prison without parole for stabbing four University of Idaho students — Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin — to death in November 2022.
Robinson was charged with aggravated murder and other offenses, and could face the death penalty under Utah law — a punishment publicly supported by President Trump, a close friend of Kirk.
Utah is one of five states that still use a firing squad as a method of capital punishment.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea on his charges.
He is due back in court on Oct. 30.
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