(Photo credit: Laura Seitz from the Deseret News) This morning was murder suspect Tyler Robinson's second court appearance for a waiver hearing. Utah Fourth District Court Judge Tony Graf.
Utah County Attorney's office Charlie Kirk trial team includes Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray; Mr. Chad Grunander who appeared and spoke in court on behalf of the office for the first hearing; Mr. Christopher Ballard who is General Counsel, Chief of Staff and Public Information Officer for the Utah County Attorney’s Office who was also present for the first court hearing and mentioned in court; Mr. Ryan McBride; Mr. David Sturgill and Ms. Lauren Hunt who was also present for the first court hearing and mentioned in court.
As I reported on September 27, defense made a request which was granted. Tyler Robinson will not be in court, in person for today’s hearing He will appear remotely from jail again, this time without video. As I reported on September 24, the Utah County Commission has appointed Ms. Kathryn Nester to represent Robinson.
Robinson is charged with 7 counts including aggravated murder. The Utah County Attorney's Office is seeking the death penalty.
Summary: Next Tyler Robinson hearing at October 30 at 10 a.m., voluminous discovery, co counsel added to defense, preliminary hearing will not be waived, Robinson's custody status to be addressed later & at next hearing Robinson will appear in person.
I got this information out within seconds of the hearing on other platforms, couple of minutes on FB.
Details:
Judge Tony Graf opened the meeting with asking the jail, "Do we have Mr. Robinson present?"
He then mentioned two names, Michael Burt and Richard Novak, who are California attorneys and appointing them "pro hac vice" as co-counsel with Ms. Nester.
A lawyer not licensed in Utah can join a defense team by obtaining special permission from the Utah courts, with filings such as a "pro hac vice" application. A lawyer not licensed in can also work under the direct supervision of a licensed Utah attorney. Ms. Nester is licensed in Utah. Both Mr. Burt and Mr. Novak have significant experience in capital cases and have appeared in court in several states.
The courtroom view showed Judge Graf and the counsel in a split screen. Mr. Grunander speaking for the prosecution team. Ms. Nester spoke for the defense.
Mr. Grunander told Judge Graf that per Rule 16, discovery has to be provided within five days. I covered this in detail in the post on the last hearing. "We will look for defense counsel's request. We met with defense team this morning about discovery. There is voluminous discovery; substantial discovery."
Mr. Grunander said discovery used for charging information was available to be provided to defense.
Mr. Grunander brought up the protection/pre trial order issued by Judge Graf and asked for clarity for the phrase, "all witnesses" on page 2. The order probits discussion about the case by certain parties.
"There are a number of witnesses likely to be identified," said Mr. Grunander. "This happened in front of 200 -300 witnesses. "
Mr. Grunander said there were no arguments being presented today. There would be follow up "once we see discovery. There are massive amounts of digital discovery."
Ms. Nester addressed Robinson's detention status and defense request. "We are not asking the Court to address the issue at this time. We are not in a position to argue. We are asking the Court to delay the decision until preliminary hearing."
Judge Graf scheduled the next court hearing for October 10 at 10. a.m. After checking with attorneys and receiving no objection from the defense, Judge Graf said Robinson will be present in person at the next court hearing
Judge Graf then made some remarks which most people familiar with courts know. Judge Graf said that Robinson had a right to be present at every stage of the proceedings, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Victims are entitled to be free of harassment and being targeted. Everyone in his courtroom would be treated with respect. "This proceeding is open to the public in accordance with the law." Judge Graf talked about transparency.
Since this is such a high profile national case with international interest, him addressing the public informing that this was an exception and usually during court proceedings, as a judge, he would only speak when addressed directly.
Judge Graf's judicial, professional, calm, respectful demeanor is appreciated and the way he has made sure rules and conducts are known to media and public in advance has been very helpful.
This is a great example to show the rest of the world the US justice system. While it is not perfect, it is the best & sometimes those of us living in the US take it for granted.
Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/09/tyler-robinson-defenses-first-request.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/09/tyler-robinson-is-now-expected-to.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/09/pre-trial-protective-order-granted-by.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/09/pre-trial-protective-order-granted-by.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/09/tyler-robinson-first-court-hearing-is.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/09/this-investigation-is-fast-moving-and.html?m=1
Related post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-apologize-to-my-free-users-i-kept.html?m=1
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