Tyler Robinson preliminary hearing scheduled for entire week, only 14 seats for public in the courtroom

Livestream for the first day of the Tyler Robinson preliminary hearing scheduled all week has not started as of 9:11 am. It is scheduled to go all week. Media has been given specific instructions. Limited parking for media. Only 14 seats available for public in the courtroom.

I will add photos as I get them from the pool. On Monday, there is livestream and the KSL camera operator has the media decorum order. Out of abundance, I did not use any screenshot with Robinson at the counsel table.

Utah media outlets do an excellent job covering court hearings.

I do plan to check the hearing every single day and I cannot predict what I will cover in advance or how. The proceedings are being livestreamed.

KSL livestream says recess until 9:35 a.m.

Statement from Charlie Kirk's family released prior to today's hearing.

Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father. Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children. We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives. Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief," according to the statement signed by Kirk's parents, Erika Kirk, and his sister, Mary."

10:12: Mr. Chad Grunander from the Utah County Attorney's Office prosecution team is questioning Chris Bagley Spanish Fork Police Department Officer Chris Bagley who is the first witness. Officer Bagley is a former Utah Valley Universty Police Officer. 

10:27 Utah time. Officer Bagley just testified about Charlie Kirk getting shot, his reaction and the crowd.

Utah Department of Public Safety Officer Investigator David Hull is the second prosecution witness. Previously, Investigator Hull worked for the State Bureau of Investigations.

As with most preliminary hearings initial witnesses, today the prosecution witness includes law enforcement officers. I am in California so the time is PST.

2:40 p.m. Utah Fourth District Judge Tony Graf

just overruled defense objection to a standard question prosecutors ask about identifying a suspect/defendant in the courtroom. He said this id is for the preliminary hearing only. This is the kind of unnecessary in the Tyler Robinson hearing by defenseUtah, CA, that question is asked by prosecutors all the time. It isn' t suggestive & there didnt need to be a sidebar at the bench.

7/7/26: Testimony from law enforcement witnesses continue. For the average reader, Ms. Kathryn Nester 's cross examination this morning may not seem significant but to lawyers, these details as well as arguments about Utah evidence code 1102 and 403 do. Of the entire defense team, the only one worth watching & arguing is Ms. Nester.

(Ms. Nester talking with defense team, photo courtesy Salt Lake Tribune)

7/8/26:

Half a day today & once again Richard Novak, the worst of Tyler Robinson's defense team, objecting to what defense has already tried about Lance Twiggs statement.

Novak drones on & on despite being politely reminded by Judge Graf about motions in limine & twice asked Novakwhat specific objection & case law. The preliminary hearing wouldn't take all week if defense didn't delay with rinse & repeat.

People have already seen, heard & read most of the information at the preliminary hearing. The difference is that in court, what is official & what is hearsay or rumor will be clarified. The defense is predictable in their delays.

A 20 minute recess this afternoon in the Tyler Robinson preliminary hearing has developed into until further notice after 50 minutes. KSL is doing an excellent job with keeping viewers informed.

2:39 p.m. 59 minutes later, recess ends, defense hearsay objection overruled; relevance objection regarding only 2 pages reserved and defense loses on prejudice objection. Judge Graf ruled that small portion be redacted & not published. Then aakd if parties want a closed hearingand of course Richard Novak says yes, wasting more time after defense just lost. It is 3:50 Utah time.

7/9/26: 

(Christopher Ballard Utah County Prosecutor's Office)

(Kathryn Nester Tyler defense attorney)

(Tyler Robinson)

"The right 'to be present' (at the preliminary hearing) is hollow if the victim or his representative is physically in the room but is prevented from seeing the evidence the court is receiving," These words from the Kirk family's words in a filing are correct.

The victims, the media, the public rights & transparency have been set aside because Judge Graf is being too cautious & allowing the defense & Tyler Robinson to act like he is the first defendant in a high profile homicide case. Day 4 photos from Spenser Heaps for Salt Lake Tribune.